Residents of a town in southern India took part in an unusual strength contest on Friday by taking turns to try to lift enormous, round stones.

The traditional event, which is held throughout the state of Tamil Nadu, sees competitors attempt to pick up stones weighing from 40 - 100 kilos with prizes for the winners.

The youngest competitor at this event in the town of Srivilliputhur was just 18 while the oldest was 60.

Traditional stone lifting competition held in Southern india.

In Srivilliputhur, the traditional game of Tamil Pattavakkal Lifting Competition was held in front of the cow pongal.
Cow Pongal is celebrated in all parts of Tamil Nadu today. As part of this, a traditional school of Tamils, the Pudavakkal Lifting Competition, was held at the private school ground in Srivilliputhur to promote social harmony. The stones weighed 40 to 100 kg. Participants were ages 18 to 60 years old. Over 50 people booked the event and lifted the young stone. The competition was held in two rounds and the winners were rewarded with items including bicycle and character. Participants were delighted to participate in this competition and to encourage such a sport to be immortalized by the Tamil culture.