Gautampura's 200-Year-Old Hingot Fight Draws Crowds on Diwali Eve

The historic streets of Gautampura on the outskirts of Indore witnessed the revival of a 200‑year‑old festival on Diwali's second day. Known as the Hingot war, the event pitted the Turra and Kalangi groups against each other in a contest of fire‑laden coconut shells.

The battleground, located just before the Devanarayana Temple, was filled with the crackle of gunpowder as participants launched hingoriyas—coconut‑like fruits emptied, dried, packed with powder, and tipped with a wooden fuse. The sky filled with bright fireballs that descended in rapid succession, recreating a scene described in local legends.

Security officials implemented a multi‑layered safety plan. Protective mesh fencing enclosed the arena, while a visible presence of police and volunteer guards managed the throngs of spectators, which numbered in the thousands. Medical tents, rapid‑response ambulances, and on‑site first‑aid kits stood ready for any injuries.

The administration also reiterated safety advisories, urging all combatants to don helmets and hold small armor plates. The community, accustomed to these guidelines, began preparations roughly a month before the event, meticulously crafting each hingori.

According to oral histories, the tradition dates back to the Holkar dynasty when local fighters employed similar devices against the Mughal army, turning a simple fruit into a makeshift weapon. While past clashes have occasionally resulted in wounds, the present year’s reinforced precautions have been widely welcomed by residents and visitors alike.