Dahi Handi now recognized as a Sport in Maharashtra



On the eve of Janmashtami, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that Dahi Handi will be recognised as an adventure sport in the state under the sports category. He said in the assembly that the adventure sport tag will allow Govindas to apply for government jobs under the sports quota.

Shiv Sena leader Shinde told the media after the assembly, “‘Dahi-handi’ will be recognised under the sports category in Maharashtra.” The term ‘Pro-Dahi-Handi’ will be used. The ‘Govindas’ will be hired in the sports industry. We will provide Rs 10 lakhs in insurance coverage for all ‘Govindas.’

What is Dahi Handi?

After two years of Covid-induced restrictions, Maharashtra’s Dahi Handi festival will be celebrated on a grand scale while adhering to all coronavirus-related guidelines.

The Dahi Handi (earthen pots filled with yoghurt) is part of the Janmashtami festival, in which young participants known as ‘Govindas,’ dressed in colourful clothes, form a human pyramid to reach and break the pot suspended in mid-air.

The festival involves groups of ‘Govindas’ moving around cities, competing to break Dahi Handis and win prizes.

List of Benefits

• Participants or their families will be provided with compensation in case of fatal or other injuries suffered by ‘Govindas’ during the formation of human pyramids.
• The Maharashtra government has decided to recognise formation of human towers as part of Dahi Handi celebrations as an adventure sport. The ‘Govindas’ will become eligible to apply for government jobs under the sports quota.
• In case of the unfortunate death of a participant during the formation of human pyramids, his/her kin would get Rs 10 lakh as compensation from the Maharashtra government.
• A player suffering serious injuries would receive Rs 7 lakh, while one with fractures would be paid Rs 5 lakh, Shinde announced, adding that the state government would also bear the medical treatment cost of ‘Govindas’ in case they suffer injuries.

Political Show of Strength in Thane

Meanwhile, Dahi Handi events will be held in Thane, Shinde’s hometown, by both his faction and the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. Both sides’ supporters are working hard to ensure that the Dahi Handi draws a large crowd. This year, Shinde supporters will hold a Dahi Handi at Tembhi Naka, while Thane MP Rajan Vichare’s supporters will hold a similar event just 200 metres away at Jambli Naka in Thane city.

Both parties are organizing events in the names of Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray and late Thane Sena leader Anand Dighe, whom Shinde regards as a mentor.

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Dr. Kirti Sisodhia

Content Writer

CATEGORIES Business Agriculture Technology Environment Health Education

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