Mumbai:
As the country celebrates Janmashthmi today, Mumbai's first big festival after the 13/7 terror attacks, Govindas in the city get set to aim high for the dahi handies, some for pride, some for the big price but some Govindas have dedicated the celebrations to Anna's anti-corruption movement.
As Mumbai prepares for its famous dahi handi festival, Anna fever has caught on. Many Govinda troops will support the anti-corruption crusader. "As I add each layer to the pyramid to reach the handi, we hope the support for Anna also increases in the same fashion," says Santosh Deshmukh from Chinchpokli Govinda Mandal.
But as usual this year its politicians with their high stake prizes which will dominate festivities. Shiv Sena's Pratap Sarnaik and NCP's Jitendra Awhad are planning to offer prizes of one crore rupees each at their dahi handi. MNS legislator Ram Kadam is offering 90 lacs. NCP leader Sachin Ahir's dahi handi is expecting a celebrity turnout. Beside locals the festival has also drawn the famous Castellars from Spain.
"Janmashtami is the first major festival in Mumbai after the 13/7 terror attack and the Mumbai police is taking no chances. Its entire force of 48,000 men will be out on the streets," says Jitendra Awhad, NCP MLC.
"With Janmasthatmi, the festive season kick start so we are alert," says Arup Patnaik.
As Mumbai gears up for one of its favourite festivals, the recent terror strike is unlikely to impact the turnout.