Centennial Hingot War Turns Fiery, Safety Measures Scrutinized

The annual Hingot war in Indore’s Gautampura turned especially dramatic on November 9, as more than twenty fighters suffered burn injuries when fire‑laden shells illuminated the night sky for an entire hour. The event, staged in the open field opposite the Devnarayan temple, pits the Tura and Kalangi teams against each other in a ritualistic combat that dates back roughly 200 years to the Holkar period.

Spectators numbering in the thousands gathered to watch the flaming projectiles streak across the horizon. In anticipation, the local administration installed safety nets, positioned security squads, and staffed first‑aid stations with ambulances ready for immediate response.

Despite the precautions, the intensity of the battle resulted in over twenty participants being scorched. Officials have persistently warned fighters to wear protective helmets and carry shields, advice that was reiterated this year after several injuries were reported.

The Hingot – a coconut‑shaped fruit hollowed out, filled with gunpowder, and fitted with a wooden stick – is ignited and thrown, creating the characteristic fireball display. Preparations for the event start a month before the actual duel, with families crafting the explosive shells in a time‑honored process that has been handed down through generations.

Community members expressed confidence in the safety arrangements, noting that the coordination between crowd control, medical services, and protective equipment helped keep the number of severe injuries relatively low for such a high‑risk tradition.