Maharashtra’s Sports Department announces an insurance scheme for the Dahi Handi festival that will cover 1.6 lakh participants, known as Govindas. Under the plan, each insured participant receives coverage of ₹10 lakh for accidental death or permanent total disability occurring during Dahi Handi activities. The scheme also provides lower payouts for partial injuries, including ₹5 lakh for loss of one hand, one leg, or one eye, along with hospitalization expenses covered up to ₹1 lakh. The government states that injured Govindas are entitled to free medical treatment at government and semi-government hospitals.
The initiative follows the state’s recognition of Dahi Handi human pyramids as an adventure sport and references safety guidelines designed to reduce risks. Sources also say the insurance will be implemented through a government insurance company selected based on a low premium rate (₹75 or less per participant). Registration and verification of eligible Govindas are handled by the Maharashtra State Govinda Association, subject to age criteria and other conditions such as practice participation. The final insurance provider is yet to be determined.
