'Battle of Ingoria' to be played in Savarkundla on Diwali night: Preparations for a month, two groups of youths to play a 50-year-old traditional game by throwing burning ingorias at each other

Diwali means the festival of lighting of lamps, Rangoli and firecrackers. However, in Savarkundla of Amreli district, a unique tradition is seen on Diwali night. For the last about 50 years, the 'Battle of Ingoria' is being played on Diwali night. On the night of Diwali, the youths divided into two groups, Sawar and Kundla, play this traditional game by throwing burning ingorias and cockroaches at each other. Every year a large number of people from outside the village besides the locals come to watch this unique game. With Diwali around the corner, the youth and artisans of the city have already started preparing thousands of Ingoria and Kokadas. 50-year-old tradition becomes the identity of Savarkundla According to the locals, the game of Ingoria has been played in Savarkundla for about five decades. Years ago, the youths who were divided into two groups, Sawar and Kundla, used to play this game by throwing burnt Ingoria at each other on the night of Diwali. This game starts around 11 pm and goes on till midnight. Diwali night is usually marked by fireworks, but in Savarkundla, this traditional game becomes the center of attraction. This game has now become the hallmark of the city. 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 trader Prakashbhai Gedia, 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. Demand for kokada from other cities of Gujarat Businessman Prakashbhai Gedia said that the Diwali of Savarkundla has a unique identity in the whole of Gujarat. Earlier their elders also used to participate in this game which has been going on for the last 50 years and now the new generation is also maintaining this tradition. The demand for Kokda made from Savarkundla also comes from cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Mumbai. He further said that now such a game has also been started in Amreli district. Savarkundla will become the center of attraction on Diwali night Every year, a large number of people gather to watch this game played between Savar and Kundla groups on Diwali night. A unique atmosphere is created with the flash of fire by throwing burning ingorias and cockroaches in front of each other. This tradition has become a distinct part of the cultural life of Savarkundla. However, due to the use of fire and bars, there is also danger in this game. Therefore, it is equally important to take safety measures and precautions during the celebration of tradition.