Maharashtra To Provide Insurance Cover To 1.5 Lakh Govindas For Dahi Handi 2025

Mumbai: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed the Maharashtra State Sports Department to provide insurance coverage to 1.5 lakh Govindas participating in this year’s Dahi Handi celebrations, marking a major increase in safety measures for the high-risk human pyramid event associated with Janmashtami. The festival, which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, falls on August 16 this year.

The move comes after a delegation from the Dahi Handi Samanvay Samiti, accompanied by State Culture Minister Ashish Shelar, met with Fadnavis and appealed for an expansion of the current insurance scheme. For the past two years, the state has been offering insurance to 75,000 Govindas annually. Responding positively to the request, the Chief Minister instructed the sports department to immediately take necessary action to double the coverage for 2025.

Dinesh Jadav, Chief Regional Manager of Oriental Insurance, the company assigned the insurance responsibility, confirmed that more than one lakh Govindas from 1,200 mandals across Maharashtra have already been insured this year, reported Times of India. He added that a major portion of these insured participants are affiliated with the Maharashtra Rajya Dahi Handi Govinda Association, through which the state facilitated coverage for over 75,000 Govindas.

Dahi Handi Declared As Adventure Sport

Fadnavis’ decision displays growing concerns about the safety of participants, particularly as the popularity of the event continues to surge. The state had earlier declared Dahi Handi as an 'adventure sport,' which has further encouraged larger participation and the formation of taller, riskier human pyramids.

While the status has given the sport formal recognition and allowed for structured participation, members of the Dahi Handi Samanvay Samiti argue that the associated risks, especially the potential for serious injury, have also increased. They have consistently advocated for better safety protocols and medical support alongside insurance coverage.