Gujarat too mulls lending adventure sport status to Dahi Handi

Vadodara, Aug 25 (PTI) Taking a cue from neighbouringMaharashtra, the Gujarat government is considering a proposalto accord adventure sport status to the traditional Dahi Handiritual marking Janmashtami festivities. Since Dahi Handi is celebrated across all majorcities, including Ahmedabad, Surat and those in Saurashtra,with much fanfare on Janmashtami, the state is seriouslymulling to declare it as an adventure sport similar to that ofmountaineering, rock climbing etc, Gujarat Sports, Youth andCultural Affairs minister Rajendra Trivedi told PTI. Noting that the festival will be regulated on thelines of Maharashtra where the government accorded the statusto the human pyramids of ‘Govindas’, the minister said thosebelow 12 years of age won’t be able to participate in it. Also, after the Gujarat government takes a call on thestatus, Trivedi said the sport would not be restricted toJanmashthami but will be celebrated round-the-year under theauspices of a state-level governing body. Last year in August, Maharashtra government’s decisionto grant the status was based on a report by a committeeheaded by BJP MLA Ashish Shelar after it recognised the spiritof unity, team and discipline in the activity. However, the government had made it clear that theadventure sport status will also entail that organisers ensurethat medical treatment is provided if a participant isinjured, foam mattresses, harnesses, and guards for knee,chest and head are used, and ‘Govindas’ (who climb the highpyramids to break the earthen pot) are insured. Though the pyramids, which sometimes rise upto as manyas 10 tiers of Govindas, are an integral part of festival, theactivity has invited flak because of the fatal injuries theparticipants can receive in case of a fall. The Supreme Courtyesterday capped at 20 feet the height of the human pyramidsduring Janmashtami across Maharashtra. PTI COR DK AARBAS