Devotees walk barefoot across a pit of burning embers as part of Holi celebrations in Surat, Gujarat.

The ritual, known locally as Holika Dahan, features devotees quickly walking barefooted across hot coal.


Locals believe the festival commemorates the victory of good over evil and by crossing the burning pit their wishes will be granted.

Devotees walk on burning embers as part of Holika Dahan rituals in Surat. To mark the ‘festival of colours’ hundreds of people walk on the burnt Holi fire after Holika Dahan to remove sorrows and fulfil all their wishes. The age-old ritual of the village takes place every night before Holi when people of Saras village waited for the bonfire to douse and then walked barefoot on the hot coals. Be it, children or adults, people of all ages have a go on the hot coals making sure they don’t burn their feet. Not only the people of Surat's Saras village, but people from far and wide walk barefoot on the embers of Holi to fulfil their vows and make wishes come true.


Unique ritual during holi festival : People walk barefoot on red-hot coals to celebrate Holika Dahan