Gotmar Fair – A Unique and Ancient Festival Tradition of India
Gotmar Fair INTRODUCTION The Gotmar Fair is one of the most unusual traditional festivals celebrated in India. This centuries-old event takes place every year in Pandhurna , a town located in Madhya Pradesh near the Maharashtra border. The fair is widely known for its dramatic custom where groups of people throw stones at one another across the Jaam River. Although the tradition has become controversial because of safety concerns, it still remains an important cultural event for local communities. Origin and Historical Background Local legends suggest that the Gotmar Fair began several centuries ago because of a love story between a boy from Pandhurna and a girl from the nearby village of Sawargaon. According to the tale, when the couple attempted to cross the Jaam River together, villagers tried to stop them by throwing stones. People from the boy’s village defended the couple in the same way, and eventually the pair escaped safely. Over time, this incident turned into a y...