2 days ago
Pediatric Orthopedic Injuries During Krishna Janmashtami: Prevention And Parental Role
With thoughtful preparation, proper gear, and vigilant supervision, the spirit of Janmashtami can continue to shine ensuring that the joy of the festival outweighs the risks
Krishna Janmashtami, the celebration of Lord Krishna's birth, is one of India's most vibrant and energetic festivals. The Dahi Handi event where children and youth form tall human pyramids to break a pot of curd suspended high above the ground captures the essence of Krishna's playful spirit. But along with the excitement comes a real risk of injuries, especially among children and adolescents.
According to Dr Taral Nagda, Senior Consultant, Paediatric Orthopaedics, Narayana Health SRCC Children's Hospital, Mumbai, Janmashtami is not just a busy day for devotees — it's also a busy one for hospital emergency departments. 'We see injuries to the cervical spine, back, ankle, knee, wrist, and elbow joint. Shoulder and clavicle injuries are also common. These happen in two ways first, to the govindas making the pyramid when it collapses, and second, to people in the crowd observing the event."
Dr Vikas Ellur, Senior Consultant, Paediatric Orthopedic Surgeon at Narayana Health Hospital, notes that among children, the most common injuries include 'fractures of the forearm, wrist, or collarbone, sprains and strains from sudden jerks, dislocations of the shoulder or elbow, and in severe cases, head or spinal injuries." These accidents can happen from falls at higher levels of the pyramid or from slipping on wet surfaces.
Both experts stress that prevention must be a priority to keep the festival joyful and injury-free. 'It is important that govindas wear protective gear," says Dr. Nagda. 'This includes protection for the shoulder and clavicle, knee, elbows, and ankle. Training for days beforehand is essential, along with supervision at every centre to ensure safe practices. The height of the pyramid should be within safe limits, and very young children should never be allowed at the top — they can lose balance in the noisy, energetic environment, leading to disastrous injuries."
Parents also have an essential role in safeguarding children's participation. 'Educate your children about the risks, ensure they warm up and stretch, and supervise their role in the pyramid so they aren't pushed beyond their physical limits," advises Dr. Ellur. 'Ideally, younger children should be part of the base, not the upper levels. Event organizers must provide helmets, mats, harnesses, and cushioned surfaces like foam or sand to reduce injury from falls."
If an injury does occur, Dr. Ellur recommends immediate steps: 'Immobilize the injured area, apply ice with a cloth barrier to reduce swelling, and seek prompt medical attention. Never delay treatment early intervention can prevent long-term complications."
Dr. Nagda adds that safety rules should be strictly enforced by both organizers and participants so that Janmashtami 'remains a festival of celebration and not of pain and disability."
With thoughtful preparation, proper gear, and vigilant supervision, the spirit of Janmashtami can continue to shine ensuring that the joy of the festival outweighs the risks, and that every child goes home with memories, not injuries.
First Published:
August 14, 2025, 14:03 IST
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
