August 2, 2025 — eBharat.com News Desk
As excitement builds for Janmashtami and the state prepares for the iconic Dahi Handi festivities on August 16, the Maharashtra government has taken a proactive step to ensure the safety of participants. This year, approximately 1.5 lakh Govindas—the daring youth who form human pyramids—will be covered under a government-sponsored insurance scheme. That’s double the coverage from last year.
Why This Insurance Scheme Matters
Dahi Handi is a colorful, community-driven celebration, but it comes with risks—falls, injuries, and sometimes worse. In the past, numerous Govindas were hurt while trying to break the handi at dizzying heights. According to incident reports from 2024, over 245 govindas were injured, with dozens requiring hospitalization.
Scheme Details: What’s Covered
| Incident | Compensation |
|---|---|
| Death or total permanent disability | ₹10 lakh |
| Loss of one eye / one leg / one arm | ₹5 lakh |
| Partial/permanent disability (various percentages) | Based on insurer norms |
| Medical expenses per injury | Up to ₹1 lakh |
This year’s IRR (insurance premium) is ₹75 per Govinda, funded by a ₹1.125 crore state allocation. The scheme is being implemented through the Sports and Youth Services Department, working in tandem with the Maharashtra State Dahi Handi Govinda Association and Oriental Insurance Company.
Who’s Behind the Push
Top state leaders—including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik—have all backed the initiative. They prioritized the request after season-long appeals from Govinda groups and youth organizations.
What This Means for Participants
- Safety boost: Govindas and their families now have financial protection if injuries occur.
- Seamless coordination: Mandals register via the Govinda Association, which verifies eligibility and age.
- Comprehensive care: From hospital bills to severe disability, the scheme covers key financial gaps.
Official Summary
- Total insured: 1.5 lakh Govindas (doubling 2024 coverage)
- Coverage provider: Oriental Insurance
- Rate: ₹75 per participant
- Premium cost: ₹1.12 crore from Sports Development Fund
- Responsible departments: Sports & Youth Services; Govinda Association
By extending this insurance to 1.5 lakh Dahi Handi participants, Maharashtra is reaffirming its commitment to cultural tradition—while prioritizing public safety. This year’s initiative sends a clear message: bold festival fervor should always go hand-in-hand with responsible planning. As the pyramids take shape on August 16, Govindas and spectators alike can take comfort in the added layer of protection.
