Dhami's Stone-Pelting Fair: A 400-Year-Old Legacy of Faith and Unity

The Dhami Stone-Pelting Fair near Shimla, a four-century-old ritual, draws crowds as villagers engage in a symbolic stone-throwing event symbolizing sacrifice. It preserves cultural heritage by transforming ancient human sacrifice practices into a non-violent tradition, attracting both locals and tourists to this historical observance.

In Dhami, a quaint village 40 kilometers from Shimla, residents came together Tuesday for the annual Stone-Pelting Fair, an event steeped in history and cultural significance. The fair marks four centuries of tradition, evolving from a ritual of human sacrifice into a symbolic gesture of devotion to Goddess Bhadrakali.

The ritual involves villagers from various clans, hurling stones at one another in a controlled environment until one participant sustains a minor injury. This act is considered a sacred offering to the deity, symbolizing a blood sacrifice. 'We feel proud to preserve this centuries-old tradition,' said Jagdip Singh Kanwar of the Dhami royal family.

Rooted in the decision by a compassionate queen to end human sacrifices, the fair now focuses on cultural preservation rather than violence. Safety measures, including monitoring by local authorities, ensure no serious injuries occur. As sunlight faded over Dhami's hills, villagers and tourists alike left with a deeper understanding of this unique blend of history and devotion.

(With inputs from agencies.)