The Maharashtra government has announced a comprehensive accident insurance scheme providing up to Rs 10 lakh for Govindas participating in this year’s Dahi Handi celebrations, aiming to reduce financial risks associated with the high-risk event.
The Maharashtra government has announced accident insurance of up to Rs 10 lakh for about 1.6 lakh Govindas taking part in this year’s Dahi Handi celebrations, a move aimed at cushioning the financial risks of the festival’s high-risk human pyramid formations. According to the government order reported by India TV News, the cover extends to deaths, major injuries and hospital treatment, with the state seeking to give participants and families greater protection during the event.
Under the scheme, a nominee would receive Rs 10 lakh in the event of death or the loss of both hands, both legs or both eyes. A participant who loses one hand, one leg or one eye would be entitled to Rs 5 lakh, while permanent total disability is also covered at Rs 10 lakh. The order also provides for hospitalisation expenses, with reimbursement of actual treatment costs up to Rs 1 lakh.
The latest arrangement builds on measures Maharashtra introduced in 2022, when then chief minister Eknath Shinde’s government recognised Dahi Handi as an adventure sport and linked it to sports-category benefits. Reports from current-affairs publications at the time said the state had also brought in insurance cover for Govindas, reflecting a broader effort to formalise support for a festival long associated with injury risk.
Dahi Handi, observed during Janmashtami, recreates the childhood exploits of Lord Krishna by having teams of Govindas form pyramids to break an earthen pot filled with curd, butter or other offerings. The event draws large crowds across Maharashtra, but injuries are common, and the insurance move appears designed to encourage participation while reducing the financial burden of accidents.
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