Stone‑Pelting Tradition Leads to Clash in Himachal After Diwali

A day after Diwali, residents of a remote Himachal village witnessed a violent episode when two rival groups began hurling stones at each other, a practice that is part of a local custom.

The stone‑pelting ritual, known locally as a seasonal rite, is traditionally performed to mark the end of the festive season and is believed to ward off evil spirits. Participants gather on a designated hilltop and throw stones in a controlled manner, but the recent incident escalated beyond the usual bounds.

Local police intervened to separate the combatants and filed reports, while village elders urged a return to the peaceful aspects of the tradition. Officials warned that such clashes could endanger lives and called for stricter oversight of the practice.

The episode has revived debate over preserving cultural heritage versus ensuring public safety, with cultural scholars noting that similar customs exist in other Himalayan regions but are typically regulated.