Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: A centuries-old and unusual tradition came alive in Dhami village near Shimla as large crowds gathered to witness the annual Stone-Pelting Fair, popularly known as 'Patthar Ka Khel'.
Held every year on the day after Diwali, the nearly 400-year-old ritual involves two groups of villagers throwing stones at each other until one participant sustains a minor injury. A few drops of the injured person's blood are then offered to Goddess Bhadrakali as part of the traditional ceremony.
The distinctive event attracts spectators from different parts of Himachal Pradesh, keeping alive a ritual deeply rooted in the village's religious and cultural history.
What Is 'Patthar Ka Khel'?
The traditional fair involves two groups of villagers engaging in a ritualistic stone-pelting contest. Participants throw stones at members of the opposing group, and the ritual continues until someone is injured.
Once a participant sustains an injury, a few drops of blood are collected and offered to Goddess Bhadrakali. The ritual is considered an important part of the village's annual religious observance.
A Tradition Rooted in the History of Human Sacrifice
According to local beliefs, the unusual practice originated as an alternative to human sacrifice, which was reportedly performed centuries ago to appease the goddess. Historical traditions suggest that villagers once offered human sacrifices seeking divine protection against diseases, natural disasters and other misfortunes.
Over time, the practice was replaced by the symbolic offering of a few drops of human blood through the stone-pelting ritual.
Faith and Tradition Keep the Ritual Alive
Despite its unusual and physically demanding nature, Patthar Ka Khel continues to hold religious and cultural significance for the people of Dhami. The annual gathering reflects the village's efforts to preserve a centuries-old tradition passed down through generations.
The fair remains one of Himachal Pradesh's distinctive post-Diwali observances, attracting attention for its unusual combination of faith, folklore and ritualistic practices.