Thoda (archery)

Thoda is an Indian form of archery found in Himachal Pradesh, with elements of dance and music included. It is generally performed during various local festivals alongside other traditional games, and may be a symbolic representation of the war described in the Mahabharata. The aim of Thoda is for two opposing teams to shoot arrows at the legs of the other team (which are wrapped in thick cloth); Thoda competitions take place in Himachal Pradesh annually.

Etymology
The name Thoda refers to the round block of wood that is fixed ahead of the arrow to blunt it.

Rules
The two teams comprise 500 participants each, most of whom are dancers. The teams stand 10 metres apart, and attempt to shoot each other below the knee. Points are deducted for shooting an opponent above the knee.