50 hurt in traditional stone war at Devidhura

BDKasniyal

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Pithoragarh, August 18

Over 50 devotees, including some spectators, sustained minor injuries amid traditional stone pelting during the Bagwal festival celebrations at Devidhura in Champawat district today.

Though the High Court banned stone pelting four years ago, asking people to throw pieces of fruits instead, devotees still resort to hurling stones.

NS Bisht, District Information Officer, Champawat, said, “The stone war began at 2 pm and continued for around seven minutes. More than 20,000 spectators witnessed the traditional stone war among four local groups.”

Champawat District Magistrate Dr Ahmed Iqbal said after the court banned stone pelting four years ago, fruit pieces are used to mark the Bagwal festival. “We had arranged over eight tonnes of fruits, including pear, apple and guava, for all four groups who took part in the stone war,” he said. Spectators said devotees had hid stones in their pockets. They initially threw fruits at one another but later started pelting stones.

Laxman Singh Lamgaria, manager of the Devidhura Temple Committee, said blood can’t be shed using fruits. “Shedding of blood is essential to please Barahi deity,” he said.

Lamgaria said stone warriors form four groups to take part in the stone pelting festival to please Barahi deity. The stone pelting continues until the blood, measuring the quantity in a man’s body, is shed in the war.