Hindu devotees in Patiala, a city in India's Punjab, participated in a procession to pay homage to the revered Hindu goddess Maha Mariamman. During the event, people willingly had their cheeks pierced by a 10-foot-long iron rod.

This act symbolizes their belief in the goddess's protective powers, as they seek good health and prosperity through her blessings. Mariamman, the South Indian Hindu goddess of rain, is worshipped by different castes, representing their unity and hope for the well-being of their villages and lands.

INDIA(Punjab) Patiala Hindu devotees of Devi Maha Mariamman get their cheeks pierced by a 10 feet long iron rod during a procession to honor the Hindu goddess Maha Mariamman (Sheetla Mata). Devotees believe that the goddess protects whoever worships her, bringing good health and prosperity to them.
Mariamman is the South Indian Hindu goddess of rain, thought to bring prosperity and protection to villages and their lands and represent the different castes of her worshippers

Hindu devotees of Devi Maha Mariamman get their cheeks pierced by a 10 feet long rod, as they take part in a religious procession organized by the South Indian Sabha held in honor of the Hindu goddess Maha Mariamman (Sheetla Mata)

Devotees worship the goddess and seek her blessings by piercing various parts of their bodies, such as their tongues, backs, chests, and cheeks, at the Mattu Mariamman temple. Many childless devotees pierce their bodies in the belief that the goddess would grant them, children.