In a village in the Ujjain region of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, a centuries-old, startling ritual was observed on Ekadashi, the day after the Hindu festival of Diwali, celebrated on November 12. In an extraordinary display of faith, men from Bhidawad 2 village and nearby areas willingly laid down to be trampled by cattle as part of a tradition they believe will please the Hindu gods and bring prosperity.

The cows, decorated with colors and henna, were let loose to walk, jump, and even trample over the men voluntarily lying on the ground. This unusual ritual, observed during Govardhana Puja day, draws hundreds of men despite its known dangers. "The cows and bulls are considered extremely pious in Hinduism, and we believe they can wipe off our troubles and bless us with happiness and prosperity," said one of the participants.

The event, which could be lethal, is attended by the whole village, turning the streets into a spectacle of devotion and enduring faith.

In a village in Ujjain region in Indore in India’s central state of Madhya Pradesh, men lay down on the ground and have their cattle trample all over them, as part of a bizarre centuries-old ritual. The ritual takes place on the occasion of Ekadashi, a day after Diwali, the popular Hindu festival of lights, which was celebrated around the world on November 12th.

In a weird example of blind faith, dozens of villagers from Bhidawad 2 village and neighboring settlements decorate their cattle with colors and henna in different patterns, then lay down on the ground and get trampled by the confused animals. The whole village gathers in the streets to witness the painful event that they believe will make Hindu gods answer their prayers. The cows walk around the human rug laid in front of them, others jump over it, but a lot of them actually trample all over it. The men volunteered to get trampled by cows and bulls in order to bring prosperity.

The century-old ritual followed by Hindu men takes place during Govardhana Puja day. Despite knowing the dangers involved, hundreds of men travel all the way to the village to lie down on the ground as cows and bulls are let loose. While many know the ritual can be deadly, men happily follow the age-old tradition believing the popular notion that cattle - considered extremely pious in Hinduism - can wipe off their troubles and bless them with happiness and prosperity.