In Maharashtra, Dahi Handi has evolved into a sport in which politicians compete against one another. As part of the Janmashtami celebrations, “govindas” compete with one another to smash handis (earthen pots filled with curd) in order to win significant rewards.
The COVID-19 outbreak caused two years of restrained celebrations, but this year the Maharashtra government has relaxed all restrictions. The celebration has now become another flashpoint between the two Shiv Sena groups. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) of Raj Thackeray has increased the stakes, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is the newest player in the “Dahi Handi” politics of the state. After two years of restrained celebrations, Maharashtra is likely to host a spectacular “Dahi Handi” festival now that all restrictions connected to the coronavirus have been abolished. During the celebration, teams of “govindas’ ‘ compete against one another by smashing dahi handis, which are earthen pots suspended in the air and filled with yoghurt.
But that’s not all. Participants will also receive a Rs. 10 lakh insurance policy from the government. In addition, the family of a deceased govinda will receive insurance coverage worth Rs. 10 lakh. A participant who has a serious injury will receive Rs. 7 lakh from the government, and a fracture will result in a payment of Rs. 5 lakh.
Injury risks exist as govindas climb the pyramids their colleagues have constructed since the handis are frequently held up at a height. Two handis will be present, one honouring Bal Thackeray and the other Anand Dighe, according to Thane MP Rajan Vichare. For each of them, the first reward will be worth Rs. 11 lakh. This is the Hindutva voice, the handi of allegiance, harmony, and culture. According to Times of India, Anand Dighe blessed this handi, which was put on by the Anand Charitable Trust.
Both former Thane mayor Naresh Mhaske and Kalyan MP Srikant Shinde have stated that the winners of the Tembhi Naka competition, which was founded by the late Shiv Sena member Anand Dighe, will receive Rs 2.15 lakh each for two handis, one for Thane and the other for Mumbai.Ram Kadam of the BJP will serve as the event’s host.
