<p>Ahead of this year's <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/photo/in-photos-dahi-handi-2026-govinda-pathak-practises-human-pyramid-at-mumbais-banganga-112787" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Dahi Handi celebrations</a>, the Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) has extended accident insurance coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh to each registered Govinda participating in the festival.</p>
<p>The civic body's initiative is aimed at providing financial protection to participants involved in forming human pyramids, an activity that carries the risk of falls and other injuries.</p>
<p>The festival, celebrated as part of the wider Janmashtami festivities, is expected to be held on Saturday. Govinda teams traditionally form multi-level human pyramids to reach and break an earthen pot suspended at a height.</p>
<h2>Civic body focuses on safety during human pyramid events</h2>
<p>The formation of human pyramids can involve significant risks, particularly when large teams attempt to reach considerable heights.</p>
<p>Falls and injuries remain a concern for participants and organisers, prompting authorities to emphasise safety measures during the celebrations.</p>
<p>Keeping these risks in mind, the VVCMC approved the Gopal Kala accident insurance scheme, under which registered participants will receive accident insurance cover of up to Rs 10 lakh each.</p>
<p>The insurance is being provided free of cost to Govindas registered under the scheme.</p>
<h2>Registration drive covers around 8,000 participants</h2>
<p>The municipal corporation had appealed to <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/janmashtami-2025-no-ones-obeying-courts-on-dahi-handi-rules-says-experts-23589903" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Govinda teams</a> to register their members for the insurance scheme by September 3.</p>
<p>According to the civic body, the registration drive received a strong response, with 118 Govinda teams enrolling for coverage.</p>
<p>Around 8,000 Govindas across the Vasai-Virar municipal corporation area have been registered under the scheme and will be covered by the accident insurance policy.</p>
<p>The number of registrations is higher than last year, according to the civic administration, indicating greater awareness among Govinda teams about the need for accident protection during the festival.</p>
<h2>Insurance cover offers financial protection</h2>
<p>The scheme is intended to provide financial support in the event of accidents or injuries sustained by registered participants during Dahi Handi activities.</p>
<p>While insurance coverage cannot prevent accidents, the initiative is aimed at reducing the financial burden that may arise from serious injuries during the celebrations.</p>
<p>The civic body has encouraged teams to ensure that only registered participants are included in the events covered under the scheme and to follow the prescribed safety requirements.</p>
<h2>Civic body urges organisers and participants to follow safety measures</h2>
<p>The VVCMC has appealed to Govinda teams, organisers and residents to celebrate the festival responsibly and follow all necessary safety measures.</p>
<p>The administration has stressed the importance of discipline and precautions during the formation of human pyramids, particularly in events involving large numbers of participants and multiple levels.</p>
<p>The civic body has also called on organisers to ensure that celebrations are conducted in a manner that minimises risks to participants and spectators.</p>
<h2>Sports Department implements insurance initiative</h2>
<p>The accident insurance scheme has been implemented through the Sports Department of the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-crime-news/article/vasai-virar-civic-clerk-arrested-for-accepting-rs-10000-bribe-in-land-encroachment-case-23633433" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation</a>.</p>
<p>With around 8,000 participants from 118 teams covered this year, the civic body said the initiative was intended to provide an additional layer of protection for Govindas taking part in the celebrations.</p>
<p><strong>(With inputs from IANS)</strong></p>

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