Thoda
Himachali archery-and-dance festival — two hillside villages fire blunted arrows at each other's shins while dancing.
What is Thoda?
Thoda is a traditional Himachali sport, festival and folk drama combined, played between rival villages in the Kullu and Kangra valleys of Himachal Pradesh. Two teams of up to 500 archers face off, dancing to drums between rounds of shooting blunted, wooden-tipped arrows at each other's shins (never above the waist). Injuries do happen but the ritual emphasises pageantry, martial pride and community. Held annually around the Baisakhi festival.
Quick facts
Category
Traditional & Cultural Sports
Type
Team sport
Players
500–500
Where played
outdoor
Country of origin
🇮🇳 India
Estimated origin
Kullu and Kangra valleys, Himachal Pradesh
Olympic
No
Popularity
regional