Thousands attended the Bagad Rath Yatra, a festival held in Bavdhan, Maharashtra.

Footage from March 31 shows attendees and numerous cows covered in pink powder.

One devotee is chosen as the Bagad and they are hung by hook off a tall post. They also perform a fast for five days where they only eat neem leaves.

The Bagad Rath Yatra draws thousands of pilgrims from across Maharashtra who gather to worship Lord Bhairavnath in Bavdhan district in Maharashtra.

Bagad means chariot of the god and this ritual of ‘fulfilling promises made to the god’ has a history of over 800 years.

An intriguing aspect of the festival involves devotees hanging by hooks from high posts. Those who agree to endure this ritual fast for five days, consuming only Neem leaves and abstaining from water until the Bagad day. Those who successfully fulfill these conditions earn the title of 'Bagad'.



Thousands attend the Pink Festival Bagad Yatra where devotees 'hang by a hook'