A bizarre ritual performed today (November 8) in Ujjain, in central India saw scores of men volunteering to get trampled by cows and bulls to bring prosperity.

The century-old ritual followed by Hindu men took place during the day of Govardhana Puja in the city of Ujjain in Maharashtra state.

Cows have their hides and horns painted in a variety of colours and are herded together to make the march.

The herds then are funnelled through the narrow streets, walking over the men lying down in the road, with many men being trampled by the cattle.

Despite knowing the dangers involved, hundreds of men travel all the way to the city to lay down on the ground as the cows and bulls are let loose.

While many know the ritual can be deadly, men willingly follow the age-old Hindu belief that cattle - considered extremely sacred in Hinduism - can wipe off their troubles and bless them with happiness and prosperity.

A bizarre ritual in Ujjain sees scores of men volunteering to get trampled by cows and bulls in order to bring prosperity.The century-old ritual followed by Hindu men takes place during Govardhana Puja day in Ujjain. And despite knowing the dangers involved, hundreds of men travel all the way to the city to lay down on ground as cows and bulls are let loose.The herds then hurtle down the narrow streets, passing over the men, crushing their backs badly. While many know the ritual can be deadly, men happily follow the age-old tradition believing the popular notion that cattle - considered extremely pious in Hinduism - can wipe off their troubles and bless them with happiness and prosperity.