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Maharashtra’s Dahi Handi granted with the Adventure Sport status

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Maharashtra Government declared Dahi Handi as an “adventurous sport” to the human pyramids of ‘Govindas’ which are formed during the Dahi Handi festival. Students below 12 years of age are not allowed and permission letters from parents for students between 12 to 15 years of age is mandatory for participation in the sport.

  • State Education Minister Vinod Tawade said that the State Government intended to make Dahi Handi has an international sport.
  • Human pyramids, which sometimes rise upto as many as 10 tiers of Govindas, are integral part of festival, the activity also faces criticism because of the fatal injuries the participants can receive in case of a fall.
  • The Govinda troupes can register their associations, impart proper training,hold demonstrations, award certificates and awards.
  • Adventure sport status will also entail that organizers ensure that medical treatment is provided if a participant is injured, foam mattresses, harnesses, and guards for knee, chest and head.
  • The court directed the State to restrict the height of human pyramids to 20 feet.
  • A government resolution (GR) has been issued in which rule shall apply to every pyramid which has more than four tiers. Violation of rules will lead to penal action.

Dahi Handi:

• Dahi Handi is an Indian festival, celebrated every August, that involves making a human pyramid and breaking an earthen pot filled with curd tied at a convenient height.
• This event is based on the legend of the child-god Krishna stealing butter.
• It is mostly popular in the state of Maharashtra and Mumbai.
• The participants form a pyramid consisting usually below 9-tiers, and are given three attempts to break the earthen pot.
• As of 2011, the prize money for the events usually range between Rs 1 lakh (US$1,500)–Rs 12 lakh (US$18,000) depending on the organizers and its sponsors.
• In 2012, a mandal called Jai Jawan Govinda Pathak from Jogeshwari, Mumbai, made an entry into the Guinness World Record by forming a human pyramid of 9-tiers 43.79 feet (13.35 m) at the Dahi Handi event held in Thane.