More than 140 injured in India's traditional Bagwal Mela battle
Four rival clan groups faced off in a symbolic battle at the centuries-old Bagwal Mela in India's northern Uttarakhand state on Friday, leaving more than 140 people injured, according to local reports.
Footage from Champawat district shows participants in different colours wielding sticks, throwing apples and other objects and using shields for protection as thousands of spectators watched. Medical teams were later seen treating injured participants.
The tradition historically involved participants throwing stones at one another, but organisers replaced them with fruits and flowers following intervention by the Uttarakhand High Court in 2013 to reduce injuries. Some stone-throwing, however, has continued at previous events.
"This is a tradition of our village. This does not harm anyone," participant Bahadhur Singh said, describing blood shed during the ritual as "a blessing for everyone."
This year's battle lasted around eight minutes, with the four clans distinguished by white, pink, yellow and saffron colours.
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Bagwal Mela is one of Devidhura's best-known traditions and is held annually at the Maa Barahi temple on Raksha Bandhan, the Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
