Odisha: People walk on embers, roll on cactus thorns to please gods

Odisha: In an astonishing ritual practiced in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, people roll on top of cactus thorns and whip themselves in order to get their wishes fulfilled by gods and goddesses.

In a remote place named Bhanjakia of Raruan block of Mayurbhanj district, which is in the foot place of the Similipal forest, local tribal people demonstrate their beliefs and devotions in a self torturing way.

Among a number of other practices, people walk on the burning coals.

They not only say but also believe that by doing these activities they sacrifice something to get their wishes fulfilled by their god or goddess.

(Photo: ANI)

One of the devotees, who have been a part of this ritual throughout the years said, "People come here to perform this from other state like Bihar, Jharkhand etc. More than 1000 devotees, including male female and children, involve themselves in this rituals."

Speaking on the same to ANI, a social worker said, "People keep believing and following certain traditions like rolling on cactus or hitting themselves with a whip. These are followed as rituals as they believe that by torturing themselves god will be pleased by them and they can get their wishes fulfilled. They also believe that it brings rainfall. It is their sincere dedication to their rituals."