Indore – A lively fireball battle beside the Devnarayan Temple turned hazardous on Oct. 22, the day after Diwali, when more than 35 people – including several children – sustained burn injuries.
Police, fire brigades and medical teams rushed to the scene in Gautampura, a small village near Indore, to provide first‑aid. Most victims suffered only minor burns, the district police said.
The clash is an annual Hingot War, a traditional “fireball” festival that pits the Turra team of Gautampura against the Kalangi team from Runji. Competitors line up roughly 200 feet apart, dress in bright clothes, and carry shields and pouches stuffed with Hingots. They light bamboo sticks inside the Hingots and hurl the flaming shells at each other, turning a battle into a dazzling display of sparks and noise.
Despite the boot‑up of fire crews, ambulances and crowd‑control officers, the intensity of the fireworks left several participants hurt. Earlier this year, authorities stopped the clash half an hour early because of rising safety concerns.
The Hingt might sound modern, but its roots run deep. Historians link it back to the Mughal era, when Maratha soldiers used hollowed‑out Hingot fruits filled with gunpowder as improvised grenades during guerrilla skirmishes. Over time the weapon shed its deadly intent and became a ceremonial symbol of bravery and faith—though the danger remains.
For locals, the Hingot War is more than entertainment. It celebrates the martial heritage of the Gurjar community, long respected in the region for its courage and horsemanship. Young men still take part in the festival to honor that legacy, even as officials work to keep the event safe.
Source: ianslive
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