Mumbai: In the backdrop of increase in number of cases of accidental deaths and injuries during 'Dahi Handi' every year, the city BJP unit, in association with Oriental Bank, would provide insurance cover to 'Govindas'.

"We have seen an increase in number of cases of accidental deaths and injuries over the years. In fact, these Govindas entertain every one and put their lives at risk but no one helps them," BJP South-Central District unit President Manisha Kayande told reporters here.

"We have been providing medical kits at Govinda mandals in the city for four years and felt the need for providing insurance cover," Kayande said.

The cover starts from Rs 15,000 and goes up to Rs 1.5 lakh per person but to avail this benefit, hospitalistion is a must, she said.

"This is for the first time that we have associated with a political party. For the last four years, we have been giving insurance cover for accidental deaths and injuries during Dahi Handi at individual or Mandal levels," Oriental Insurance's Assistant Manager Arun Satpute said.

Janmashtami falls on August 14 and Dahi Handi is celebrated that day. In order to avail the policy benefit, a `Govinda ' should be admitted to a hospital before 6 am on August 15, he said.

"We have been receiving good response and around 25 mandals have registered with us so far," Kayande said, adding 600 Govindas have been covered under the insurance policy.

The `dahi handi' clay pot filled with buttermilk is positioned at a height and the topmost `Govinda' on the human pyramid tries to break the handi.