Worshippers at a Hindu temple in south India marked a local festival by having coconuts smashed on their heads.

The unusual ritual, filmed on October 16, was held at the Mahalakshmi temple in Kanniyavadi, Tamil Nadu over two days.

The ritual begins by lighting a lamp when an eagle is seen flying above the temple, then 55 devotees sat in rows to receive blessings from the temple priests. The head priest rubs turmeric powder on the devotees' scalps, before smashing the coconuts over their heads.

Reportedly people injured during the ritual do not seek medical attention and insist on letting the wounds heal naturally.

Location: Dindugal District of Tamilnadu State in South India.

Goddess Mahalakshmi temple is located in Kanniyavadi area. Two days festival is celebrated in the temple. It started with lighting a lamp when an eagle come and fly above the temple. Then 55 devotees sat on lines. Head priest came and after turmeric powder was placed on the devotees head he smashed the coconuts on thier heads.

If the seek for something to the god and if that happens then they need to fulfill this ritual according to the locals.

Those who suffer from injuries when a coconut is broken on thier heads they refrain themselves from getting treatment and let the wound to hell by itself as a mark of respect to the god.