Hindu devotees in north India have engaged in a unique ritual in the run up to Holi next week, by having a man daubed in black paint charge through the streets striking people with a pair of tongs.

Ahead of Holi, the festival of colours, the festival of Bhairo Dev Jhanki was celebrated yesterday (March 14) with much enthusiasm in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir state. A major figure is a man who is painted black to resemble "Bhairon Baba", a depiction of the divine figure Bhairava.

The seven-day-long festival is celebrated by both Hindu and Muslim communities, and it is believed that those who receive a pat from the tongs of 'Bhairon Baba' get blessed with good luck.

Residents come together to celebrate Bhairo Dev Jhanki festival ahead of Holi
Ahead of Holi, the festival of colours, Bhairo Dev Jhanki was celebrated with much enthusiasm in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. The 7-day long festival celebrated by both Hindu-Muslim communities saw locals enjoying. This age-old festival is celebrated by both old and the young.Rajouri Town during celebration of seven days long Holi Festival in which the youths and children participated with zeal and zest. People believe that they are lucky who receive a pat by the tong from Bhairon Baba during this Jhanki. The rally which was taken out from Bhairon Nath Mandir Near Teshil Office after special Pooja, passed through Tehsil area, main market and finally culminated at Bhairon Mandir Near Sanatan Dhram Sabha.