Clash erupts among devotees at Chhath Puja in Dholewal, Ludhiana

A dispute over the organization of the Chhattisgarh Mahaprav in Guru Arjun Dev Nagar, Dholewal, turned violent on Saturday afternoon. Worshippers gathered for the traditional Chhath Puja were confronted by residents of the neighbourhood, leading to a heated exchange of words and physical scuffles.

Eyewitnesses reported that the clash escalated quickly, with both sides shouting slogans and attempting to push each other back. Some local media outlets mentioned rumours of gunfire being heard, although no official confirmation of weapons use has been provided.

Police were called to the scene and arrived within minutes. They intervened to separate the groups, restore order and prevent further escalation. No serious injuries have been reported so far, but the incident has raised concerns about crowd management during religious festivals in densely populated urban areas.

Authorities have urged the community to cooperate with law‑enforcement agencies for the safe conduct of future celebrations, emphasizing the need for clear communication between organizers and residents.

The incident underscores the challenges of balancing religious observances with local civic responsibilities in rapidly growing cities like Ludhiana.