Locals in Devidhura, a town located in the north of India, took part in a violent tradition involving the pelting of stones at other villagers on August 26 to commemorate the annual holiday known as Raksha Bandhan.

This video, filmed during the festivities, shows stones being thrown at men attempting to shield themselves with bamboo canvases.

On the priest's signal, villagers begin pelting the stones for up to nine minutes until the signal is heard again. It is believed that the blood from the injuries appease the traditional wish-granting goddess Barahi.

The fair is held for more than 10 days every year with exhibitions from different government departments, and attracts thousands of visitors.

The Bagwal fair is held at Devidhura on the auspicious day of Raksha Bandhan every year at Goddess Varahi temple premises, 75 km from the Champawat district headquarters. Local goddess Barahi is worshipped before the start of the main event.

This year, the fair will begin on August 26 but the main attraction will be the ‘Bagwal’ on Raksha Bandhan.

What makes it different and special from other fairs of Kumaon is that Bagwal involves stone pelting by two groups of people from Kumaon and Garhwal regions. At the same time, the men take cover from the stones with the help of large shields made of bamboo. On the priest’s signal, the participants of two groups throw stones at each other, no matter how much injuries take place. It goes up to seven to nine minutes and ends with the priest’s signal again.

Locals believe that blood from the injuries appeases the goddess who fulfils their wishes.

Earlier, the Devidhura fair was held only for one day but now it is hosted for more than 10 days with exhibitions of different government departments. Bagwal attracts thousands of visitors from hill and plain areas who arrive to watch the unique celebration.

The tradition of stone pelting was discontinued in 2013 after intervention of the high court following injuries to the participants in the main event. The fair committee decided to replace stones with flowers and fruits. But it was observed that the participants start with fruit and flowers but switch to stones after a few minutes.
The administration and the fair committee gave a final touch to the preparations. CCTVs will be installed in the fair area to maintain law and order and keep vigil on miscreants.