Uttarakhand cloudburst: Local festival spares lives as half of residents travel across stream; villagers say, 'loss could have been far greater, guardian deity saved us'
Thursday, 7 August 2025 () A flash flood in Dharali devastated one side of the village, but many residents were spared due to their participation in the Hardoodh festival on the opposite bank. This annual ritual, dedicated to Naag Devta, drew them away from the vulnerable side of the stream, where unscientific construction had taken place.