Niharika Chouksey urges safe Dahi Handi ahead of Janmashtami 2024
Synopsis
Actress Niharika Chouksey is not just speaking about Dahi Handi safety — she is living it, personally performing a human-pyramid stunt for 'Tumm Se Tumm Tak' while calling out the growing injury risk in what has become a high-stakes competition. Her message ahead of Janmashtami on 4 September: keep Krishna's playful spirit alive, but bring everyone home unhurt.
Key Takeaways
Niharika Chouksey , who plays Anu in 'Tumm Se Tumm Tak' on Zee TV , has urged safe and responsible Dahi Handi celebrations ahead of Janmashtami on 4 September .
She traced the Dahi Handi tradition to Lord Krishna's playful butter-stealing persona, known as 'Makhan Chor' .
Chouksey is personally performing a human-pyramid stunt for a Dahi Handi sequence being filmed for the show.
She flagged the growing competitive scale of Dahi Handi events and the accompanying rise in injury reports .
Her core message: the essence of any festival is happiness , and celebrations must not come at the cost of anyone's safety.
Television actress Niharika Chouksey, best known for playing Anu in the Zee TV series 'Tumm Se Tumm Tak', has called for responsible and injury-free Dahi Handi celebrations as Janmashtami approaches on 4 September. The actress, who is simultaneously filming a Dahi Handi stunt sequence for the show, said the festival's spirit must not be overshadowed by avoidable accidents.
What Chouksey Said About the Festival
Describing Janmashtami as one of her most cherished festivals, Chouksey said it brings together family, tradition, food, and a sense of togetherness. “We usually celebrate it at home with my family with a small puja, and I really enjoy spending that time with my parents,” she said. She rooted the Dahi Handi tradition in its mythological origins, noting that it celebrates the playful side of Lord Krishna — who was lovingly called 'Makhan Chor' for stealing butter — and the joy of recreating those stories through community participation.
On the Rise of Competitive Celebrations and Safety Concerns
Chouksey acknowledged that Dahi Handi has evolved into a large-scale competition over the years, and with that shift have come reports of injuries. “Unfortunately, we also hear about injuries during these celebrations,” she said, urging participants to prioritise safety without diluting the festive energy. She stressed that the essence of any festival is happiness, and that no celebration is worth someone getting hurt.
The On-Screen Dahi Handi Sequence
The actress revealed she is personally performing a Dahi Handi stunt for an upcoming track in 'Tumm Se Tumm Tak', including climbing a human pyramid to break the handi. “I have been practicing a lot for the sequence because I will be performing the stunt myself,” she said, adding that she is being especially careful to ensure the scene looks authentic while keeping safety paramount. The sequence is part of the show's festive programming ahead of Janmashtami.
Broader Context
Dahi Handi events, particularly in Mumbai and across Maharashtra, have drawn growing scrutiny over participant safety in recent years, with courts and authorities periodically issuing guidelines on pyramid heights and the age of participants. Chouksey's remarks align with a wider conversation in public life about balancing cultural exuberance with duty of care. 'Tumm Se Tumm Tak' airs on Zee TV.
As Janmashtami festivities get underway, Chouksey's message is straightforward: celebrate with full heart, but bring everyone home safe.
Point of View
Not just commenting from a distance. The deeper issue — that Dahi Handi has shifted from a community ritual to a televised competition with political patronage and prize money — goes unaddressed. Until the incentive structure changes, safety appeals alone are unlikely to move the needle on injury rates.
NationPress
3 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Niharika Chouksey and what show does she appear in?
Niharika Chouksey is a television actress who plays the character Anu in the Zee TV series 'Tumm Se Tumm Tak'. She has spoken publicly about Janmashtami and Dahi Handi celebrations ahead of the festival on 4 September.
What is Dahi Handi and why is it celebrated on Janmashtami?
Dahi Handi is a tradition where participants form human pyramids to break a clay pot filled with curd, symbolising Lord Krishna's playful habit of stealing butter — which earned him the name 'Makhan Chor'. It is celebrated as part of Janmashtami, the festival marking Krishna's birth.
What safety concerns did Niharika Chouksey raise about Dahi Handi?
Chouksey noted that Dahi Handi has grown into a large-scale competition over the years, and that injury reports have become increasingly common. She urged participants to celebrate responsibly and ensure that no one gets hurt in the process.
Is Niharika Chouksey performing the Dahi Handi stunt herself on the show?
Yes. Chouksey confirmed she is personally performing a human-pyramid stunt for a Dahi Handi sequence being filmed for 'Tumm Se Tumm Tak', including climbing up to break the handi. She said she has been practising extensively and taking precautions to ensure safety on set.
When is Janmashtami 2024 celebrated?
Janmashtami in 2024 falls on 4 September. It marks the birth of Lord Krishna and is celebrated across India with pujas, bhajans, and Dahi Handi events, particularly in Maharashtra and other western states.
