Over a dozen sustain injuries in Patthar mela at Dhami

One person was seriously injured while dozen others sustained minor injuries during the 'Patthar mela' which lasted for just 10 minutes at Dhami, about 25 km from here.
Hundreds of villagers from Dhami and nearby places gathered for the annual mela, a century-old ritual celebrated a day after Diwali in which people throw stones at each other. After this, devotees anoint tilak on the forehead of the local deity "goddess Kali" with their blood.
The event passed off without any major casualty as the district administration, which had prior information about the Mela, had made elaborate arrangements to avoid any mishap, an official said.

The villagers were divided into two groups, one representing the erstwhile princely state of Dhami while the other a rival group. They pelt stones at each other.
The team comprises of adult males of Dagoi, Turnu and Katedu and Jathodi clans. They together take on the opponent Jamogi clan and pelt stone continuously amidst beating of drums and music played on other traditional instruments.
The battle begins after the deity of Narsingh temple from Dhami palace arrives at the Kali temple and the administration is informed about the event.

The Mela has become more of a 'ritual' as the number of participants is on decline and they avoid inflicting serious injuries.

The Mela, which replaced the tradition of human sacrifice, prevalent in hill states was more lethal earlier but with the passage of time the passion of the people has started dying down.
The mela is organised by a local committee, including representatives of the royal family and care is taken to avoid any violence.