A terrifying Indian ritual sees holy men hoisted 40 feet into the air on poles while carrying newborn babies.

The bizarre ceremony takes place every year at Sree Bhadrakali Temple in Kollemcode in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Childless couples regularly come to the temple to offer prayers in the hope of being "blessed with children."

If they then do fall pregnant, the couples return to the holy site to fulfil their vow to the deity Bhadrakali Amman by offering their babies up to participate in the festival.

This year around 1,300 babies took part in the event on March 18.

The ‘thookkam’ festival being held as part of the Meena Bharani festival at Sree Bhadrakali Temple, Kollemcode in the Kanyakumari district.

Childless couples believe, if they offer prayers at this Bhadrakali temple, they will be blessed with children. so they come here with their newborn babies to fulfil their vow to their deity Bhadrakali Amman. As part of the 10 days festival, Holy men tied to a 40 feet pole lift the newborn babies and circle the temple. Around 1300 babies were lifted in the temple ritual on 18th march.

The festival is celebrated annually for 10 days and Thookkam is on the final day of the festival.