India is the land of customs, traditions and lots of festivals and each custom and festival has its own past and anecdote of origin. These festivals unite the communities and uphold the spirit of togetherness among the people. Even though you would usually find a trace of these festivals in Indian cinema, there are certain strange festivals traditions of which you may not be aware. Here we list down five painful and potentially dangerous festival traditions followed in India.
Walking On Burning Coal – Thimithi
Having its origins in the state of Tamil Nadu, Thimithi involves people walking over burning coals. Thimithi is celebrated in the honor of Draupadi of Mahabharata.
Thimithi
Searching Out a Live Cobra: Nag Panchami
Nag Panchami is one of the most popular festivals which is celebrated all across India usually in the month of August. It involves worshiping of a snake, mainly the King Cobra. While usually people worship the idol of the snake god, in rural India one can see people seeking our and worshiping a real live Cobra!
Nag Panchami
Cuddling a Raging Bull: Jallikattu
Mainly celebrated in some of the towns of Tamil Nadu, Jallikattu is the sport which involves taming of a raging bull. Jallikattu is a part of the Pongal festival and the person trying to tame the bull usually cuddles it.
Jallikattu
Beating Each Other On The Head With Sticks: Bani Festival
Bani festival is celebrated in the state of Andhra Pradesh and is marked by numerous lathi carrying devotees hitting each other on the head on the Dussehra night. This strange festival is to honor the killing of a demon by Lord Shiva and usually goes on till dawn.
Bani
Suspending Oneself By The Skin of Their Backs: Garudan Thookam
Garudan Thookam is the ancient festival having its origins in the state of Kerela. Devotees dress up like garuda and after the initial celebration they hang like eagles from a beam, hooking the flesh on their back. Ouch! It is to please Goddess Kali.
Garudan Thookkam
