The Maharashtra government has expanded insurance protection for Govindas participating in this year’s Dahi Handi festival, aiming to mitigate the risks of injuries during the traditional human pyramid performances, with coverage now reaching up to 10 lakh rupees per participant.
The Maharashtra government has expanded insurance protection for Govindas taking part in this year’s Dahi Handi celebrations, saying the cover will now extend to about 1.5 lakh to 1.6 lakh participants. The move comes as authorities seek to reduce the financial risk associated with the festival’s human pyramids, a spectacle that draws large crowds but regularly leads to serious injuries.
According to TV9 Hindi, the state will pay a premium of ₹75 per participant through Oriental Insurance, with the total bill of about ₹1.12 crore coming from the sports development fund. Business Standard and other outlets reported that the cover includes a payout of ₹10 lakh in the event of death or total permanent disability. Partial disability, including the loss of one eye, one arm or one leg, is set at ₹5 lakh, while hospitalisation costs of up to ₹1 lakh will also be covered.
The government has also tied the scheme to registration and verification rules. Only Govindas who meet the prescribed age limits and take part in practice sessions as well as the festival itself will be eligible, with registration to be handled by the Maharashtra State Govinda Association. The insurance arrangement is to be implemented alongside the sports and youth services department and the state Govinda association.
The initiative reflects how the state has increasingly treated Dahi Handi as a high-risk activity rather than a purely cultural event. The Bombay High Court and Supreme Court have already pushed authorities to classify the formation of human pyramids as an adventure sport and to tighten safety standards. Even so, injuries remain common. TV9 Hindi said that last year in Mumbai and neighbouring Thane, two people died and more than 300 were hurt during the festivities, underscoring why officials are moving to deepen protection for participants.
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