The Festival of Pelting of Stones
15 November 2001
The festival of pelting of stones at each other is done by two groups of villagers at Village Halog near Dhami in District Shimla. This festival (also known as Sati Pradha Mela) is held in the Honour of the Rani of Dhami who committed Sati ((a Hindu widow who allows herself to be cremated alive on the funeral pyre of her husband‘s body) now banned) more than a century ago. In this festival two groups of Villagers, one group who were for Sati and the other group who were against it Pelt stones at each other until someone gets hurt. Then they apply the blood of the person who got hit by the stone to the local deity. The pelting of stones can continue up to one hour or more.

Halog is situated about 26 Kms from Shimla on the Shimla – Manali route. The festival starts at about 02:00 PM. It is advisable to reach in time, as one cannot be sure how long this may last. It is also better to eat your lunch and then go, as there are no eating restaurants there as of now. To reach this village the following information can be helpful for you: -
Busses start from the main Bus Stand. It takes approximately 1-½ hours to reach Halog at Dhami by Bus. The fare is Rs 16 (Sixteen) one way per person. You can check for more busses at counter number 5 & 6 at the main Bus Stand. The following are the direct busses to Halog: -
Bus Timings from Shimla to Dhami
1. 06:30 AM- Dhargi via Halog
2. 10:00 AM- Dhami
3. 12:30 AM- Panhoee via Halog
4. 02:45 PM- Jabri via Halog
Return timings from Halog to Shimla
1. 4:00 PM- to Shimla
2. 5:00 PM- to Shimla
3. 5:30 PM- to Shimla

You can take busses going to Dharamsala, Mandi, Manali or Bilaspur and get off en route at a point called 16 Miles (Solah Meel) and then walk 4 kms to reach Halog. These busses start at the following times: -
1. 09:30 AM Shimla to Dharamsala
2. 10:30 AM Shimla to Dharamsala
There are a number of private busses (one of them at 11:00 AM) too other than those mentioned above. Due to the fair there could be a big rush over there so there may be more busses coming back than those above.
If you wish to go by taxi then the fare is Rs410.00p (Van) both ways for four persons & Rs720.00p (Jeep) both ways for nine persons. Stoppage time is 2 hours subsequent charges are Rs50.00p (Van) & Rs100.00p (Jeep) per hour. Taxi can be hired from the Taxi Union at the lift or where ever you can get them.
Hope you have a good time.

The above information has been gathered from number of Local People to help tourist who are visiting Shimla. Made by Manish Mahendra, I am in no way connected to any society, Govt. dept. or any travel agent, or any taxi union etc. I have done this as a Social Service to let tourist know more of Shimla and its surroundings & of Himachal Pradesh. I intend making similar, but with more Info, free of cost Pamphlets for tourist who are visiting Shimla for the first time. Please send info on the email address if you like the idea.
nullThe Festival of Pelting of Stones