Archive · 6 Aug 2026
Maharashtra Extends Insurance Cover to 1.6 Lakh Dahi Handi Govindas
Dahi Handi is a festival where people climb on top of each other to make tall human pyramids and try to break a pot hanging high up.
The state of Maharashtra in India wants to keep these pyramid builders, called Govindas, safe.
So the government has decided to give them insurance.
If a Govinda accidentally dies or becomes permanently disabled while taking part, their family will get ₹10 lakh.
If a Govinda loses one hand, one leg, or one eye, they will get ₹5 lakh.
The scheme will also pay hospital bills up to ₹1 lakh for injuries.
Injured Govindas can also get free treatment at government and semi-government hospitals.
Only Govindas who register, meet the age rules, and practice are covered.
The money for this comes from the State Sports Development Fund.
This helps Govindas and their families feel more secure.
The Maharashtra government will provide insurance protection to 1.60 lakh Govindas taking part in this year's Dahi Handi celebrations, as announced by the Sports Department on Thursday.
The scheme offers ₹10 lakh compensation for accidental death or permanent total disability sustained during Dahi Handi activities.
Participants losing one hand, one leg or one eye in an accident will receive ₹5 lakh, with hospitalisation expenses covered up to ₹1 lakh.
The insurance will be implemented through a government insurance company at a premium of ₹75 or less per participant, funded by the State Sports Development Fund.
Coverage depends on meeting prescribed age criteria, attending practice sessions and taking part in the festival, with registration and verification handled by the Maharashtra State Govinda Association.
- Who
- The Maharashtra government's Sports Department and Govindas participating in Dahi Handi celebrations
- What
- Extension of a government insurance scheme covering 1.60 lakh Govindas with accident compensation
- When
- Announced on Thursday for this year's Dahi Handi celebrations
- Where
- Maharashtra, India
- Why
- To strengthen financial security for Govindas and their families in the event of accidents during the festival
- Covered participants
- 1.60 lakh Govindas
- Accidental death / permanent total disability
- ₹10 lakh compensation
- Loss of one hand, one leg or one eye
- ₹5 lakh compensation
- Hospitalisation expenses
- Up to ₹1 lakh
- Insurance premium
- ₹75 or less per participant
- Funding source
- State Sports Development Fund
- Registration body
- Maharashtra State Govinda Association
- Free treatment
- Government and semi-government hospitals