Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced in the state Assembly that Dahi Handi will now be considered an adventure sport.
- The event also receives a lot of political backing and cash prizes.
- Mr. Shinde declared August 19 as a holiday to help people celebrate the festival without any restrictions after two years.
- The Chief Minister announced a group insurance of ₹10 lakh for the youngsters (called Govindas) who form the pyramid in case of death, ₹7.5 lakh in case of grievous injury, and ₹5 lakh in case of broken limbs.
- He also said they would get priority in government jobs. Dahi Handi – organised to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna – is a popular festival in which a human pyramid is formed to break an earthen pot, hanging mid-air, filled with curd.
- The adventure sport tag will allow young participants (govindas) in Dahi Handi events to apply for government jobs under the sports quota.
