'Dahi Handi' (Govinda) has been recognised as an adventure sport by the government of which state?

In August 2022, the Government of Maharashtra announced that Dahi Handi would be recognised as an adventure sport. The decision meant that "Govindas" (the participants) could be included in sports quota benefits and covered by insurance, and that competitions such as "Pro Govinda" could be organised.

What is Dahi Handi?

Dahi Handi is a popular festival tradition held on Gokulashtami, the day after Krishna Janmashtami (the birth of Lord Krishna), in the month of Bhadrapada (August-September).

It celebrates the childhood of Lord Krishna, who, according to legend, loved butter and curd (dahi) and would climb on the shoulders of his friends to steal butter from pots hung high by the gopis (milkmaids). Krishna is therefore called "Makhan Chor" (butter thief).

In the festival, an earthen pot (handi) filled with curd, butter or buttermilk is hung high above the street, often with a cash prize.

Teams of young men and women, called "Govinda pathaks", form a human pyramid of several tiers to reach and break the pot. The person at the top, often a child, breaks it.

The festival is especially popular in Mumbai and Thane, where some pyramids have nine or more tiers.

Safety concerns:

Because of injuries and deaths from falls, the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court have issued guidelines on safety, such as the use of helmets, safety harnesses and mats, and limits on the age of participants.

Other traditional sports recognised in India:

• Mallakhamb: state sport of Madhya Pradesh.
• Kambala (buffalo race): Karnataka.
• Jallikattu (bull-taming): Tamil Nadu.
• Thang-Ta: martial art of Manipur.
• Mardani Khel: martial art of Maharashtra.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Gujarat celebrates Janmashtami, especially at Dwarka, but has not declared Dahi Handi a sport.
• ✗Goa and Karnataka also celebrate Janmashtami but are not linked with this recognition.