Context:

=> Like Kho-Kho and Kabaddi, Dahi Handi has now been given the status of a game in Maharashtra.

=> It will be considered as a type of adventure sports.

Highlights:

=> Chief Minister Eknath Shinde told in the Vidhan Sabha that Govindas who join Dahi Handi will be given benefits of government schemes, 5 percent reservation in government jobs.

=> Govindas will now also be given insurance protection.

=> If there is an accident while playing Dahi Handi and any Govinda dies in such a situation, then an amount of Rs 10 lakh will be given to the family members of the concerned Govinda as help.

=> In case of serious injury like if any Govinda loses both eyes or both legs or both hands or any two important parts of the body, then an amount of 7 and a half lakh rupees will be given to him as help from the state government.

=> In such an accident, if any Govind loses an arm or a leg or any part of the body, then in such a situation, an amount of 5 lakh rupees will be given to him as help.

What is Dahi Handi?

• Dahi Handi is celebrated on the occasion of Janmashtami, the birth of lord Krishna.
• The Dahi Handi (earthen pots filled with yogurt) is part of the Janmashtami festival where young participants called ‘Govindas’, dressed in colorful clothes, make a human pyramid to reach the pot hung mid-air, and break it.
• The tradition of Dahi Handi, which started in Mumbai in 1907, is believed to have been going on for the last 104 years in Ghansoli village near Navi Mumbai.
• Dahi Handi was first started here in 1907 on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami.
• Dahi Handi festival held every year in Mayanagari is celebrated all over the world.
• Not only the country but people from abroad also come here to see the Dahi Handi festival.
• Some circles also give a reward of crores for breaking the handi.