Pandhurna (Madhya Pradesh), Sep 3 — On the banks of the Jam river, an age-old tradition of stone-pelting will once again bring two villages face to face on September 11.
The world-famous "Gotmar Mela (Fair)" held between Pandhurna (now a district in Madhya Pradesh) and Sawargaon, continues despite a tragic history that has claimed more than 18 lives over the years.
According to local people, as many as fifty people receive minor to grievous injuries.
The number once reached more than 100.
This year, the administration is determined to keep the ancient custom alive while preventing fresh bloodshed.
Collector Neeraj Kumar Vashishtha organised a peace committee meeting on Thursday here at Laxmi Smriti Bhawan and made it clear that the fair will follow its traditional format, but with strict controls.
Anyone using 'Gofun' (slingshots) will face firm action.
A doctor and ambulance will remain on standby at the site, and extensive arrangements for security and traffic management will be in place.
To ease public congestion, the weekly market has been shifted to September 8.
The Collector appealed to residents to protect the tradition without endangering lives.
"People's life is precious to their family—stay safe and celebrate the festival responsibly," he said.
He also urged participants of both the villages that the stone-throwing at each other should end when the flag planted in the river is broken before sunset.
No one knows exactly how old the fair is.
Local legend offers a poignant explanation. Years ago, a young man from Pandhurna eloped with a woman from Sawargaon. When the couple reached the Jam river, members of both families attacked them with stones. Both died in the water. Since then, the two villages have marked the tragedy every year by pelting stones at each other across the river.
The ritual begins with the worship of Goddess Chandi.
Villagers from Sawargaon plant a Palash tree in the middle of the river and tie a flag to it, regarding the tree as a symbol of their daughter.
People from both sides then hurl stones from opposite banks.
The side that uproots and captures the Palash tree is declared the winner.
The victorious group carries the tree to the temple of Goddess Chandi for worship.
Despite the injuries and appeal from various non-government and social organisation to end the tradition as several lives already lost in the past, the "Gotmar Mela" endures as a powerful, yet dangerous, expression of local identity and memory.
This year, authorities hope the combination of tradition and tighter safety measures will allow the festival to proceed without adding to its grim toll.