Dahisar East Family Urges Govindas to Stay Safe After Boy's Fatal Dahi Handi Fall
Sangeeta Jadhav, a resident of Dahisar East in Mumbai whose 11-year-old son Mahesh died after falling from a human pyramid during Janmashtami last year, has appealed to Govindas to exercise extreme caution as the city marks Dahi Handi celebrations on Saturday, September 5, 2026. Jadhav emphasized that she does not want anyone else to lose a child as she did.
At their Dahisar East residence, Mahesh’s parents and other relatives continue to mourn their loss following the child’s demise. After losing their 11-year-old son, who succumbed to injuries sustained during the 2025 festivities, the Jadhav family said they have been left with no choice but to keep going, prompting them to speak out so that other households might avoid similar grief.
Speaking about the loss, Sangeeta Jadhav stressed the emotional toll such festival accidents inflict on parents and relatives. She urged participants to stay mindful of the risks associated with forming multi-tiered human formations, calling on Govindas to be extra cautious while navigating pyramids during the celebrations.
"No one should have to face such a horrific tragedy, that too during festivals," Jadhav told mid-day. "I lost my son; I only hope no one else suffers as I have. Those playing Dahi Handi this year need to be very careful while climbing on top of one another. You should think of your family because they are the ones who suffer the most if something happens to you."
The appeal comes as Mumbai gears up to celebrate Dahi Handi, with several families still reeling from the unforeseen tragedy that followed the previous year’s festivities. Families of previous victims across the city continue to grapple with the aftermath of those incidents as pyramids are formed once again.
Across Mumbai, the previous year’s Dahi Handi celebrations resulted in two deaths and left 278 participants injured while attempting to navigate human pyramids. In response, the Jadhav family and other affected relatives are advocating for increased caution and safety measures during festival celebrations to prevent further tragedies.
