The Maha Kumbh Mela (here, here and here) began on 13 January 2025 and will continue until 26 February 2025. In this context, a video (here, here and here) is going viral on social media showing individuals, including those dressed in saffron robes, throwing stones in a temple premises while moving their bodies rhythmically. The viral post claims that Hindus are engaging in stone-pelting during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025. Let’s investigate the truth behind this video.
Claim: The viral video shows Hindus pelting stones at the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.
Fact: The video depicts the Devidhura Bagwal Mela in 2024, an annual ritual in Uttarakhand where participants throw stones as part of a traditional practice during the month of Shravan. This unique event, held during Raksha Bandhan in the Champawat district, takes place at the Devidhura Temple of Goddess Barahi. There is no reports of Hindus pelting stones at the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela. Hence, the claim is FALSE.
A reverse image search of keyframes from the viral video led us to several videos (here, here and here) published in August 2024, all identifying the event as the Devidhura Bagwal Mela.
A keyword search on Google led us to reports (here and here) detailing the 2024 Bagwal Mela. The renowned fair began in Devidhura, Uttarakhand, with Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta inaugurating the event. The opening ceremony included cultural programs showcasing the rich history and traditions of the Devidhura Bagwal Mela, which is known for its ritualistic stone-pelting practice.
We visited Uttarakhand’s Ministry of Tourism website to learn more about the tradition, which provided detailed insights into the Devidhura Bagwal Mela. Held annually during Raksha Bandhan in the Champawat district, this unique event takes place at the Devidhura Temple of Goddess Barahi. The festival features four clans (Kham) engaging in a ritualistic stone-pelting tradition, which is rooted in mythology and symbolises the replacement of an ancient human sacrifice practice dedicated to the goddess. Participants use wooden shields, called Farra, for protection during the ceremony, which is observed in the month of Shravan.
There are no reports of Hindus pelting stones at the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela. Additionally, we previously debunked the same video when it was falsely claimed to show Hindus pelting stones during a protest.
To sum up, the video of Hindus pelting stones is part of a religious event from Uttarakhand, not from the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela.
