Mumbai, Aug 12: The Maharashtra government has decided to accord the status of 'adventure sport' to the centuries old traditional 'Dahi-handi' celebrations that mark Janmashthami every year, Education Minister Vinod Tawde said here on Wednesday.
Minors aged between 12-15 can take part in the celebrations - which entails forming tall human pyramids of six or more levels - only with the written consent of their parents.
Mostly minors aged between 12-15 take part in dahi handi celebrations
The minister said henceforth, 'Dahi-handi' would not be restricted during Janmashthami, but will be celebrated round-the-year under the auspices of a state-level governing body.
Janmashthami celebrations in Mumbai have become an annual big business affair with prizes running into crores of rupees, mega-sponsors, intense competition among various groups, mostly backed by politicians and political parties, attracting millions of locals, domestic and foreign tourists.
In the past few years, there have been several casualties, including temporary injuries or permanent handicap and deaths of 'Govindas', which led to court cases and questions raised on the safety and security of the participants.
IANS