Dahi Handi to be categorised as adventure sport

In a major decision, the Maharashtra government has decided to formally categorise Dahi Handi celebrations as an “adventure sport” – in a bid to make it safe and reduce the number of casualties and injuries besides making it professional.

In Maharashtra, the Dahi Handi celebrations involve  making a human pyramid and breaking an earthen pot filled with curd tied at a height.

According to legends, the child-god Krishna  and his friends used to form human pyramids to break pots hung from the ceilings of neighbourhood houses, in order to steal curd and butter. This year Janamashtami falls on September 5, while the Dahi Handi celebrations would be on September 6.

The higher the height, the higher is prize money. However, in the process, many of the people fall and sustain injuries. A few deaths too had been reported during the Dahi Handi celebrations and the practice sessions. “We have decided to categorise Dahi Handi as an adventure sport. We shall form a state-level body on the lines of Kho-Kho and Kabaddi to govern ‘Dahi Handi’ with a set of rules and regulations. Any celebrations that do not adhere to this would not be recognised,” Maharashtra Minister for School Education, Sports & Youth Welfare,Higher and Technical Education, Medical Education, Marathi Bhasha, Cultural Affairs, told reporters on Wednesday. Besides, minors aged between 12-15 can take part in the celebrations only with the written consent of their parents.

Under the new status, it will be mandatory for all organisations to ensure proper insurance for all participants, provisions of first-aid, ambulances to shift the injured “Govindas” to nearest hospitals. Additionally, they must organise safety nets, helmets, safety harness, mats and other security requirements to prevent injuries – and possible deaths – after the human pryramids come crashing down.

 A formal notification or GR would be issued soon.

It may be recalled, in August 2014, the Bombay High Court following recommendations of the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights had directed that children below the age of 18 years should be banned from participating in the human pyramids that are part of the cultural celebration due to the risk of injuries.
However, Supreme Court lowered the age limit to 12 years and asked organisers to ensure that safety measures are in place.

During the winter session last December, the government decided to categorise it as an adventure sport and formed a committee to look into the finer details. The committee submitted its report recently.