On the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami, Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde has announced that the state government has recognised ‘Dahi-Handi’ (the pot with butter) as an official sport in the state.
‘Dahi-Handi’ is a ritual in which devotees of Lord Krishna recreate the famous act of stealing the butter from the pots which is one of the mischievous acts. Generally it will be played on the next day of Janamashtami.
Under adventurous sport ‘Dahi-Handi’ has been included and Govindas (who play it) will also get jobs under sports quota. Besides this CM Eknath Shinde said an insurance cover of Rs 10 Lakh will be provided to all Govindas.
Maha CM Shinde decided to recognise this sport after Dahi Handi Utsav Samanvay Samiti had written to the CM urging him to acknowledge the sport and provide necessary support.
Another interesting thing here is that the previous Uddhav Thackeray government has imposed a ban on ‘Dahi-Handi’ for the last two years citing Covid-19.
Tags Janmashtami Maharashtra