The Dahi Handi festival during Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with sporting zeal in Mumbai – where the people form human pyramids to break open earthen pot containing curd and buttermilk hanging from elevated poles or buildings. But the issue of child labour may play spoilsport to this one of the most popular festivals of the city.

The Dahi Handi organizing body – Dahihandi Utsav Samanvay Samiti (DUSS), has threatened to boycott Dahi Handi celebrations if the state government refuses to reconsider its decision of banning participation of children aged below 12 years in the human pyramids that are the main feature of this festival.

In a meeting on Tuesday, the DUSS decided to go ahead with its decision to boycott the festival.

It opposes the ban on participation of children issued by the state child rights panel. There are over 1,200 mandals affiliated with DUSS from Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai.

Recently, Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) has passed the order to prohibit kids aged below 12 years from participating in human pyramids, contending it is risky, especially considering the increasing height of these pyramids.

Various Govinda groups, who are lured by the big money promised by political parties that organise the festivities, have protested vehemently against the decree.

This year, Dahi Handi will be celebrated on August 18. Every mandal has an average of 500 people and every mandal breaks at least 10-12 handis in a day.