The state government will bear the insurance costs for registered participants forming human pyramids during the popular festival, which will be celebrated on August 16 this year
File pic/Atul Kamble
The Maharashtra government has announced insurance coverage to 1.5 lakh 'Govindas' taking part in Dahi Handi festivities with a maximum payout at Rs 10 lakh in case of death, a move coming less than a month before the popular festival, reported news agency PTI.
The insurance package will cover accidental injuries (sometimes fatal) caused during the formation of human pyramids.
The state government will bear the insurance costs for registered participants forming human pyramids during the popular festival, which will be celebrated on August 16 this year, according to a government resolution (GR) issued on Wednesday, reported PTI.
The Maharashtra State Govinda Association, Mumbai, has been designated to verify the training, age and participation of Govindas, and submit their details to the commissioner of sports and youth services in Pune.
The GR outlined six categories of accidents and the corresponding insurance payouts. In case of death during a Dahi Handi performance, the kin of the deceased Govinda will receive Rs 10 lakh. The same amount will be paid in case of total permanent disability, such as the loss of both eyes or two limbs, reported PTI.
Govindas suffering the loss of one eye, one arm, or one leg will be eligible for a compensation of Rs 5 lakh. Partial or permanent disablement will be compensated in accordance with the insurance company's standard categories of percentage-based disability, said the order, reported PTI.
Additionally, the insurance scheme will cover medical expenses up to Rs 1 lakh for injuries sustained during performances, it stated.
The move comes as part of the state government's initiative to promote the traditional sport while ensuring the safety and well-being of participants.
During the festival, 'Govindas' or Dahi Handi participants form multi-tiered human pyramids to break 'dahi handis' (earthen pots filled with curd) suspended in the air, reported PTI.
It is believed that Lord Krishna liked curd and butter as a child. Therefore, devotees re-enact his childhood days through dahi handi after Krishna Janmashtami.
Dahi handis decorated with flowers have been hoisted many feet above the ground at several housing societies, roads, junctions and public grounds across the city.
Dressed in colourful attire, Govindas are seen criss-crossing parts of the metropolis in trucks, tempos, buses and two-wheelers to break the dahi handis.
(With inputs from PTI)
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