Hundreds of worshippers celebrated the Bagwal Mela festival in northern India.

Four different groups of men, each wearing distinctive white, orange, yellow, and pink clothing and turbans, engaged in a fierce stone-throwing battle during the celebration in Uttarakhand.

Footage shows men wearing pink headwear running and cheering in a parade, following other teams on August 9.

In other clips, worshippers can be seen standing in an open field, armed with stones, sticks, and wooden shields, preparing for the annual stone-pelting ritual held on Raksha Bandhan day.

They hurl stones at each other until a priest calls a halt, having confirmed that sufficient blood has been shed to honour the goddess Maa Barahi.

The battle begins after the Puja ritual ceremony, with worshippers entering the temple carrying their weapons, moving around the temple in song and dance.

Though the fight lasts only about ten minutes, it often results in injuries, with many participants requiring treatment in local hospitals and clinics.

Several people were injured, most suffering wounds to the face, head, and legs.

Bagwal Mela is a traditional and vibrant festival celebrated in parts of northern India, particularly in Uttarakhand. It is known for showcasing unique customs, rural sports, and community spirit.

The festival typically features activities such as wrestling matches, bull races, and other rural sports that highlight the strength and skill of participants. It is often held to mark the end of the winter season or to celebrate local deities and agricultural cycles.