Dahi Handi 2022: From Free Treatment To Recognition For Sports Quota In Jobs - Here's All You Need To Know

In a significant development on the occasion of Janmashtami, the Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday evening, August 18, announced that Dahi Handi will get a status of sport. 

In addition, ahead of the Dahi Handi Celebrations, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced free treatment for all injured Govindas in government hospitals. 

He directed the all civic and government hospitals after announcing it in the legislative assembly. “If Govinda gets injured during the Dahi Handi program, he will be treated free of cost in government hospitals,” Shinde said.

जखमी गोविंदांवर शासकीय रुग्णालयांमध्ये मोफत उपचार; सर्व शासकीय, पालिका रुग्णालयांना सूचना. दहीहंडी कार्यक्रमादरम्यान गोविंदास दुखापत झाल्यास त्यांच्यावर शासकीय रुग्णालयांमध्ये मोफत उपचार करण्यात येतील अशी घोषणा मुख्यमंत्री @mieknathshinde यांनी कालच विधानसभेत केली होती.#दहीहंडी

— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) August 19, 2022

This decision has been taken as despite it being an adventurous sport, many cities in the state celebrate 'Dahi-Handi' with great enthusiasm and vigor. Hence, the decision was taken to include it in the state sports category.

Janamashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna and is often observed with numerous rituals of which 'Dahi-Handi' is one of the most prominent. This year, it will be celebrated on Friday evening, August 19.

Also Read: Dahi Handi 2022: These Roads In Mumbai's Dadar Area Shut For Traffic Today           

Maharashtra CM also announced that "Pro-Dahi-Handi" competitions will also be organised in the state on the lines of Pro-Kabaddi.

Further encouraging the ritual, Shinde stated that the Govindas who emerge winners will get jobs under the sports quota. In addition, Govindas will be provided an insurance cover of INR 10 lakhs if they lose their life and INR 5 lakhs if they get partially handicapped.

He further added that the prize money for the tournament will be given by the government.

For those unversed, Shinde had recently announced that the Dahi Handi will be celebrated without any COVID-19 restrictions. His decision was welcomed by various mandals across the state as they could not celebrate Dahi handi last year due to the restrictions imposed owing to coronavirus pandemic.

Also Read: Dahi Handi Will Be Declared A Public Holiday Across The State: Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde