Govindas get bigger safety net for Dahi Handi celebrations

Mumbai: Insurance coverage for Govindas participating in during the across Maharashtra has been increased this year, with doubled to ₹2 lakh while keeping the premium unchanged at ₹75 per person.

The (MRDGA) has taken cover for 1,51,533 Govindas across 1,776 mandals this year, up from 1,38,920 Govindas across 1,670 mandals in 2025, people said. The policy is provided by under the group personal accident cover.

Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation has covered 8,000 Govindas across 119 mandals this year, up from 6,630 Govindas across 99 mandals last year. A further 6,038 Govindas across 62 mandals have taken cover directly this year, compared with 6,400 across 85 mandals last year.

The overall number of Govindas covered through the scheme has therefore risen to more than 165,571 this year though the enrolments are still being finalised, and the eventual figure is expected to rise further.

The policy provides ₹10 lakh in the event of accidental death or permanent total disability. Permanent partial disability is covered as a percentage of the ₹10 lakh sum insured, while accidental hospitalisation is now covered up to ₹2 lakh.

The hospitalisation limit was doubled after the Dahi Handi association requested a higher cover, the insurer said. Claims in some cases had exceeded ₹1 lakh, leaving mandals to bear the balance. The higher limit is aimed at providing greater protection to Govindas, many of whom come from lower-income families.

Oriental Insurance has been providing the cover for about 22 years. The ₹75 premium has remained unchanged despite the increase in hospitalisation cover, the people said.

The policy covers Govindas during the Dahi Handi festival as well as training and practice sessions. It provides 24-hour worldwide accidental coverage during the 45-day insurance period beginning with Guru Purnima, including accidents such as electric shocks.

The extended cover also considers travel by Govindas after the festival. Coverage continues until 6 am on September 6, allowing participants travelling back to their homes after the celebrations to remain insured.

The expansion comes as increasingly use group insurance to cover participants during the weeks of training leading up to the festival, rather than limiting protection to the main event. The coverage period is designed to protect participants throughout the practice period as well as during the celebrations.