At least 245 people were injured during a fair, where villagers hurled stones at each other across a river as part of a centuries-old tradition.

The incident occurred in Pandhurna town of Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh, central India, on August 23.

The visuals from the spot capture the Gotmar fair in full swing, with villagers from both Pandhurna and Sawargaon hurling stones at each other across the Jam river as part of the age-old tradition. In another clip, injured participants are seen lying on hospital beds, some crying out in pain, while doctors and medical staff provide treatment. Several sustained injuries to the head, hands, and ankles during the violent ritual.

According to reports, the incident occurred in Pandhurna on Saturday, where villagers from Pandhurna and Sawargaon hurled stones at each other across the Jam river during the annual Gotmar fair, leaving at least 245 people injured.

The stone-pelting began around 10 am and continued into the afternoon. Six temporary health centers were set up to treat the wounded, while 600 police personnel, 58 doctors, and 200 medical staff were deployed to manage the situation.

SDOP Brajesh Bhargava said strict arrangements were in place, and medical teams were ensuring immediate treatment for those injured.