Get insurance, follow safety rules, Dahi Handi Samiti tells

The Dahi Handi Samanvay Samiti, a government recognised umbrella body of Govinda mandals in Mumbai, today asked its members to follow rules set in place by the court while celebrating the festival including getting mandatory insurance cover.

Janmashtami will be celebrated across the state on September 3.

"As per the court's order last year, insurance cover of Rs 10 lakh is not only mandatory but also beneficial to the participants. We have requested all those who will take part in creating human pyramids as part of the festival to get themselves insured," said Surendra Panchal, secretary of the DHSS.

He said that the DHSS had asked all participants to follow safety rules including wearing of helmets, harness belts, chest-guards, knee protectors etc.

Mandals had been told to go ahead with Dahi Handi celebrations only after getting the requisite permissions from the police, he added.

The DHSS is fighting a case in the Supreme Court seeking that Dahi Handi be declared an adventure sport.