Did you know about the Hingot battle tradition in Indore? This 200-year-old tradition takes place every year, a day after Diwali. The tradition involves firecrackers and a fruit, and is extremely dangerous. This year, it left 35 people injured, all of whom were rushed to the hospital after receiving first aid. Here’s what this fiery tradition is all about.
What Is The Hingot Battle In Indore That Left 35 Injured This Diwali?
Diwali isn’t just about lighting diyas and making rangolis. From the oil bath tradition of Tamilians to Goa’s 200-year-old Diwali ritual, in Dongri village, many regions across India celebrate the festival with unique customs. But have you heard of Indore’s Hingot Yuddh, the post-Diwali tradition that left 35 people injured this year? Here’s what makes it both unique and risky.
Hingot Yuddh, or simply Hingot fight, is observed on Dhok Padwa, a day after Diwali, in Gautampura near Indore. The tradition involves throwing firecrackers made from the Hingot fruit at opponents. As per a report by Hindustan Times, the ritual pits villagers from Gautampura, known as the Turra team, against those from the nearby village of Runji, known as the Kalangi team.
A Hingot (a wild gooseberry-sized fruit) is dried, hollowed out by removing its pulp, filled with gunpowder, and sealed with clay. These Hingots are then thrown at the opponents as part of the celebration. Every warrior carries a shield and wears traditional attire while throwing these explosive fruits across a battlefield that spans nearly 100-200 feet. The event is filled with thick smoke, deafening drum beats, and thousands of cheering spectators who gather to watch the spectacle.
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A 200-Year-Old Unique Yet Dangerous Tradition
As per a report by HT, arrangements were made before the event. Arrangement included high nets and barricades around the battlefield to protect spectators from flying firecrackers. Around 200 police personnel and 100 administrative staff were deployed at the venue, with fire engines and ambulances on standby. Despite all the precautions, 35 people were injured this year. They were later rushed to the hospital for treatment.
This isn’t the first time the Hingot fight has turned dangerous. As per a report by Moneycontrol, in 2017, a young man died during the event, sparking calls to ban the ritual. A petition was filed in the Madhya Pradesh High Court, calling the tradition “life-threatening”, but no ban has been imposed yet. Many villagers continue to defend the practice as an age-old symbol of culture and heritage. Despite the risks, this unique Hingot Diwali tradition takes place every year in Indore.
Hingot fight tradition is believed to date back over 200 years, to the time when the Holkars ruled Indore. Locals say that guerrilla warriors used to throw gunpowder-filled Hingots at Mughal invaders. It was a war practice that later turned into this Diwali ritual.
What do you think of this unique Hingot Diwali tradition from Indore? Do let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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