As a part of their 100-year-old tradition, the people of Gujarat celebrated Diwali with ‘Ingoriya’ firecrackers. In Savarkundla in Amreli, a group of people could be seen hurling ‘ingoriya’ crackers that looked like long stripes of firecrackers at each other.
But, what are ‘ingoriya’ crackers, and what is the tradition?
The 100-year-old tradition of ‘ingoriya’ firecrackers
For years now, Diwali is welcomed with a strange tradition wherein groups of villagers hurl bombs at each other. The fight is locally known as ‘Ingoriya ni Ladai’ (War using ingoriya). Ingoriya is a local fruit that grows in abundance in the region. Gunpowder is stuffed in these little fruits, which are then used as crackers ready to be hurled.
The fight is actually between villagers of Savar and Kundla, which are separated by a small river Navli. Locals say that these traditional firecrackers do not explode but only generate huge flames when fired.
Earlier, the two groups used to stand facing each other on either side of the river. At the sound of a bugle, the war begins with both groups throwing bombs at each other. While many duck the cracker, some will be injured in the fire. The war goes on throughout the night and the group that has exhausted all its gunpowder supply is declared the loser.
Worship of Pets
In some places, it is mandatory to worship domestic animals and pets; especially cows, buffaloes, and goats to please deities. It is done to ensure that they give proper milk as they are regarded to be the foremost source of income and are thus treated as holy divinities.
