The annual "Patthar Ka Khel" takes place in Himachal Pradesh on the day immediately following the Diwali festival. Two distinct groups pelt stones at each other until at least one person sustains a minor injury. Once bleeding occurs, a few drops of blood are presented to Goddess Bhadrakali, continuing a historical alternative to human sacrifice. The event serves as a communal prayer against diseases and disasters, drawing significant crowds of spectators and participants annually.
Key points
The centuries-old custom originally began as a direct substitute for historical human sac…: The centuries-old custom originally began as a direct substitute for historical human sacrifice to appease the deity.
Villagers maintain the annual ritual to seek divine protection from natural calamities, d…: Villagers maintain the annual ritual to seek divine protection from natural calamities, diseases, and other misfortunes.
The nearly 400-year-old traditional event continues to draw large crowds of both particip…: The nearly 400-year-old traditional event continues to draw large crowds of both participants and spectators each year.
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SHIMLA: Stones fly, crowds gather and a few drops of blood become an offering to the goddess. Himachal Pradesh's Dhami village witnessed its annual 'Patthar Ka Khel', a nearly 400-year-old stone-pelting ritual celebrated on the day after Diwali.
A large number of people gathered to witness the unusual tradition, in which two groups of villagers throw stones at each other until a participant sustains a minor injury.
Following the ritual, a few drops of blood from the injured participant are offered to Goddess Bhadrakali as part of the centuries-old custom.
Why do villagers pelt each other with stones?
The tradition is believed to have originated as an alternative to human sacrifice, which was practised centuries ago to appease the deity.
The ritual was associated with seeking protection from diseases, natural calamities and other misfortunes.
Celebrated every year after Diwali, the nearly four-century-old practice continues to draw large crowds to Dhami, where villagers gather to participate in and witness the traditional ceremony.
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