Children in Madhya Pradesh's Betul district are tossed or placed in cow dung for the Hindu festival of Govardhan Puja (November 8) for good luck.

Paricipants hope that the children will be granted good health and protected from disease as a result of the puja (prayer or ritual).

Govardhan Puja is also known as 'Annaku' is a Hindu festival that takes place on the fourth day of Diwali, during which devotees pray to Lord Krishna. Govardhan Puja commemorates the day Lord Krishna defeated Lord Indra, who brought heavy rainfall, destroying fields.

In the name of tradition, children will be made to lie on cow dung on the occasion of Govardhan Puja in Madhya Pradesh's Betul district.The tradition has been a part of the Betul district headquarters Yadav Mohalla. As per the tradition, infants and children aged 14 or 15 are made to lie in cow dung in the hope that it would bring them good health and protection from diseases.Govardhan Puja is also known as 'Annakoot Puja', is a Hindu festival when devotees pray to Lord Krishna. Govardhan Puja commemorates the day when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain to prevent Rain God Lord Indra from causing havoc on the people through heavy showers.cow dung is considered to be sacred in Hinduism and is used in puja, so the tradition of laying children is practised to make them healthy.