Praveen Rahate, the Govinda, who was wounded five years ago during the Dahi Handi practice, has stood on his feet and will be participating in the celebration of Dahi Handi. But will not be the part of human pyramids to break Dahi Handi, instead he will be giving message to the Govindas to play safe. On July 20, 2013, he was seriously injured in the training session, he was bed ridden. It made him handicapped too.
Due to his healthy body, he always used to be at the lower level of the human pyramid. His Shiva Ganesh Govinda mandal was very strong in breaking tallest Dahi Handi. This mandal was very famous in Vasai taluka. However, on the night of July 20, 2013 during the practice, the entire human pyramid fell on him. Praveen’s lower back bone was badly damaged because of this accident. His Mandals had spent all the money earned from Dahi Handi for treating Praveen. Still he was bed ridden.
Help from Vaidya Trust
To keep the spirit of the festival alive, the Late Ramakant Vaidya Charitable Trust has helped the treatment for Praveen. They started the treatment two years ago. Praveen, who was bed-ridden, is now able to walk on his own. He is also participating in the Trust’s Dahi Handi celebration.
Amit Vaidya, President, Late. Ramakant Vaidya Charitable Trust
For the last 14 years, our trust is organizing food for the Govinda Mandals. If other organizers should borrow the expenses of Govinda Mandal’s tea and snack, then these Mandals can celebrate Dahi Handi in much safer way.
Praveen Rahate
This festival can also be enjoyed without forming layers of human pyramids. Organizing cultural events, dance & music programs can also add much joy to the celebration of this festival. For this, it is necessary that the organizers of the Dahi Handi should take the initiative. Such tallest Dahi Handi put Govinda’s life in danger, so instead of giving lakhs of price money, they should sponsor their T-shirts, food and travel expenses.
