A village in Tamil Nadu, southern India, is drawing attention for its unusual 300-year-old Diwali tradition. In Gumatapura village, residents celebrate the festival of lights by throwing cow dung at one another, a practice locally known as 'Gore Habba'.
A Three-Century-Old Tradition
According to a report by Prothom Alo, the central feature of this festival is the throwing of cow dung. On Diwali day, villagers gather to take part in the event, which has been observed as a religious and social custom for nearly three centuries. The report notes that the festival has become an integral part of the local culture.The Ritual
The report states that villagers collect cow dung in advance for the occasion. At a designated time, participants begin hurling cow dung at each other, creating a festive atmosphere across the village. The practice is a regional custom tied to Diwali and is not observed in other parts of the country.Cultural Significance
While some observers suggest that such festivals strengthen community bonds and express gratitude towards agriculture and nature—given cow dung's association with farming—the report does not include any analysis or commentary on the subject.Video Goes Viral
Prothom Alo's online edition published a video of the festival showing villagers engaging in the cow dung-throwing ritual. The footage has been widely shared on social media, sparking curiosity about the ancient tradition.The report does not provide details on how the festival originated or whether any specific legend is associated with it. However, for the local community, it remains a revered and ancient practice.
