Shimla: In the picturesque village of Jubbarhati, located just 20 kilometres from Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, the traditional sport of Thoda--a centuries-old practice involving archery and dance--took centre stage at a vibrant three-day festival. The event, locally known as Naukhi Daali Ka Mela, is not just a celebration of culture but also a powerful message about environmental preservation and religious devotion.
The festival, organized by local enthusiasts and villagers, seeks to protect and promote the ancient tradition of Thoda, a sport believed to date back to the era of the Mahabharata. This year's festival saw enthusiastic participation from villagers across the region, combining traditional music, dance, and sport with prayers to the deity Narsingha (a manifestation of Lord Shiva).
