This ritual that takes place in southern India is wrought with controversy as cattle are forced to walk through fire.

Footage from Janaury 14 shows the devotees at the Makar Sankranti festival in Channapatna pulling their cattle through the flames in the ritual known as Kicchu Hayisuvudu.

The devotees decorate their cows with garlands bells before walking them through fire.

It is believed to bring good fortune and protect the devotees from harm.

Despite the harvest festival taking place in communities across India, this particular ritual has come under fire for animal cruelty.

In a bizarre ritual, a herd of decorated cattle were made to go through a line of fire in the Malavalli village Near Bengaluru in Karnataka, southern India on Jan 14th 2021.

The ritual is usually carried out on the occasion of Makar Sankranti (A day in Hindu calendar which is dedicated to the sun God) where cattle are decorated using garlands and hanging bells. The ritual of decoration is usually known as Kicchu Hayisuvudu' ritual.

In the occasion, the villagers pamper their cows and decorate them in order to prepare for the ritual. They are then made to cross the lines of fire usually during the evening.

As there is a huge crowd of spectators who come to watch the festival, some shows start early evening to cater to the flow of the crowd.

The video shows men crowded in the area as the herd of cattle is being chased by its owner towards the line of fire as the crowd stand on both the sides and cheer.

Performing this ritual, 'Kicchu Hayisuvudu', is said to bring good fortune and protect the devotees from harm.

This festival comes in parallel to a similar bull-taming festival 'Jalikattu' held in the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India.

The festival involving animals to perform a dangerous act is a subject of debate among animal lovers.