Clans Face Off In Ritual
Four rival clan groups faced off in a symbolic battle at the centuries-old Bagwal Mela in Champawat district, in India’s northern Uttarakhand state, on Friday.
Footage shows teams in different colours wielding sticks, hurling apples and other objects across the grounds and defending themselves with shields as thousands of spectators watch. Later, medical teams can be seen treating injured participants.
“People who are not used to this get excited. You have to get excited,” organising team member Nansingh Battaria said. “We have to play to our limits.”
The traditional stone battle has changed in recent years. Following intervention by the Uttarakhand High Court in 2013, organisers replaced stones with fruits and flowers to reduce injuries, although some stone-throwing has continued at previous events.
Fruits Replace Traditional Stones
“We play this festival with the help of fruits. But when we put these fruits in the form of stones, they automatically turn into stones. This is a tradition of our village. This does not harm anyone,” participant Bahadhur Singh said.
“The blood that was shed is a blessing for everyone. This festival is celebrated every year. This is a famous festival of the world,” he added.
More than 140 people were injured during this year’s ritual, according to local reports. The battle lasted around eight minutes, with the four clans distinguished by white, pink, yellow and saffron colours.
Hundreds Watch Ritual Battle
Bagwal Mela is one of Devidhura’s best-known traditions, bringing together worship, clan participation, music and ritual combat at the Maa Barahi temple each year on Raksha Bandhan, the Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.
Article by Viory
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