Shimla: Along with Devbhoomi, Himachal is a state of fairs and festivals. As much as the enchanting beauty resides in the valleys of the state, the same depth is reflected in the folk traditions here. Similarly, the unique stone fair celebrated in Dhami area, 30 kilometers away from Shimla district, is organized every year on the next day of Diwali. This fair is not just a festival, but a tradition that has been going on for generations. It is considered a symbol of faith and courage. Such a fair is hardly celebrated anywhere else.
In this fair a lot of stones are pelted at each other. The stone pelting between two groups in the fair continues until someone’s blood falls on the ground, as soon as the first drop of someone’s blood falls on the ground, the stone pelting in the fair stops. This scene is as exciting as it is full of faith.
No one knows the exact date when stone pelting started in this fair, but litterateur SR Harnot tells about how it started. ‘Hundreds of years ago, human sacrifices were made in the temple of Maa Bhimakali located in Dhami state for the happiness and peace of the area and the bright future of the royal family. The queen of King Rana of Dhami state was against this human sacrifice. When he decided to commit Sati after the death of the king, he banned human sacrifice. After this animal sacrifice was started here. It is believed that this game of stones started when the mother did not accept the animal sacrifice, which continues even today.
To fulfill this tradition, the place where the game of stones is played is called Chaura. The memorial of the queen who stopped the sacrifice is also built here (Sharda Square). Those who throw stones in this fair are called Khund. On the day of the fair, first of all the members of the royal family and the royal priest offer prayers at Lord Shri Narasimha Temple. After that thousands of people reach Chaura with drums. Along with the royal family, there are Khund clans of Katadu and Tunadu, Dagoi, Jagothi, while the other group includes people of Jamogi Khund. Both the groups offer prayers. A member of the royal family starts the game by throwing a stone, after which the game of stones starts between the two teams.