Annual Hingot War Festival | 23 Oct 2025

Why in News? 

The annual ‘Hingot War’ (Fireball Battle) Festival began on 21st October 2025 in Gautampura village under Depalpur tehsil, around 59 km from Indore, Madhya Pradesh.  

Key Points 

• About: The festival is organised every year on ‘Dhok Padwa’ (a day after Diwali) to commemorate the Mughal–Maratha conflicts of the 17th–18th centuries. 
• Cultural Significance: According to local folklore, the Hingot War originated from the warrior customs of Gurjar soldiers, later evolving into a symbolic and festive sport after real wars ceased. 
  • The region, largely inhabited by the Gurjar community, is known for its martial traditions, bravery, and horsemanship. 
• Festival Rituals: 
  • The event begins after sunset. 
  • Villagers gather at a temple to offer prayers, following which the fireball battle commences. 
  • Villagers from Gautampura and Runji, situated on opposite sides of a river, participate in the ritual battle. 
    • Gautampura residents represent the Turra army. 
    • Runji villagers represent the Kalangi army. 
• Hingot: The “Hingot” is a local fruit that is plucked, dried, and stuffed with gunpowder, then tied to a wooden stick and lit before being thrown at opponents — flying through the air like a rocket.