CHANDIGARH, PUNJAB, INDIA – FEBRUARY 22, 2025 Paramjit Singh, 45, died at a marriage party when he was accidentally shot dead by another wedding guest who was conducting a celebratory firing in the air. The accident was captured on video in which a group of dancing guests can be seen throwing money around and having fun. However, one of them hurriedly pulled the trigger of his gun before raising his gun in the air. Paramjit is hit and immediately falls dead to the ground.

So-called celebratory firing is an old custom found mainly in the northern parts of India. It symbolizes the wealth when people can afford ammunition. In some communities it is firmly established as part of the celebrations.

The Indian government is actively trying to combat this. It is very difficult to legally own a gun in India. There is a government ban on carrying guns to celebrations and on shooting mindlessly into the air. Not only can fatal accidents like this occur. Bullets hitting the ground from a high altitude can also cause injury or death. Often, gunshots can even cause panic among guests who injure themselves in an attempt to escape or hide.