'Battle of Ingoria' in Savarkundla on Diwali night: Burning ingoria and cockroaches thrown at each other; People from Ahmedabad-Mumbai-Kolkata came to watch the 100-year-old traditional game.

Diwali is celebrated in different ways across the country, but the atmosphere of celebration on the night of Diwali in Savarkundla of Amreli district is quite unique. Here, according to the age-old tradition, a thrilling 'Battle of Ingoria' is organized by the youth. Seeing the youths throwing burning fireballs at each other creates a battlefield-like atmosphere, but this is not violence or war but a traditional game that has become the distinct cultural identity of Savarkundla. Pictures of the 'Battle of Ingoria' is a 100-year-old historical heritage According to the local residents, the history of this game is more than 100 years old. Earlier this battle was fought between two areas, Savar and Kundla. With the passage of time, its form has changed and now the youth gather in various squares of the city including Navli Chowk, Round Area and Devla Gate to play this game. Instead of the modern firecrackers of Sivakashi, the main attraction of this game is the Ingoria and Kokada, which are traditionally prepared at the local level. People from all over the country and abroad come to watch For the youth of Savarkundla, this game is not just entertainment but a passion and heritage passed down from generation to generation. People from Savarkundla who have settled in cities like Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kolkata and Rajkot return to their hometowns especially on Diwali. People from all corners of the country and abroad come to Savarkundla to play and watch this unique game, due to which there is an atmosphere of enthusiasm in the entire city on the night of Diwali. This tradition, which has been preserved safely even in modern times without any loss of life, gives Savarkundla a distinct and distinct identity across the country. What is Ingorio and how is it prepared? Ingoria is a type of fruit that has the shape of a chiku. Earlier this fruit was dried and used in traditional sports. However, with the passage of time, its availability has also decreased due to the decline in the trees of Ingoria. As a result, now the use of cocoons made from paper cardboard is increasing as an alternative to ingoria. The artisans have to work very hard in preparing the material required for this game. Tushar Makwana, a craftsman, said that he prepares both Ingoria and Kokada. Preparations for this start a month before Diwali. These Ingoria are sold at the price of 8 to 10 rupees. More than 7000 Ingoria are sold on Diwali night. The use of cockroaches increased due to the scarcity of ingoria Due to the extinction of the Ingoria trees, the traditional fruit is no longer easily available. Therefore, the artisans prepare kokas from paper cardboards. According to Prakashbhai Gedia, a trader, materials including coal are used to prepare the kokadas. After processing this material, it takes a lot of labor to prepare it. In Savarkundla, this work starts about two months before Diwali and its preparations are seen in many houses in the city.