A group of devotees fling themselves onto a bed of hot coal embers covered by thorny branches during a ritual in Krishnanagar, West Bengal.
Footage from April 11 shows the devotees dancing around the bed of burning embers before covering it with dozens of sharp branches.
They then take turns to launch themselves onto the sharp and hot bed.
Locals believe this ritual will immerse themselves with the "divine energy" of Hindu deity Shiva and seek his blessings.
The act of throwing themselves onto the sharp branches is set to symbolise the devotees' willingness to endure pain and suffering for the greater good.
Fervent devotees gathered to partake in age-old traditions and rituals, steeped in spiritual significance and cultural heritage by walking and dancing on hot coal embers and jumping on thorns in the Krishnanagar city of Nadia district in West Bengal, Eastern India.
Among the myriad festivities that marked this auspicious time on 11th April 2024, one event stood out for its breathtaking display of devotion and sacrifice - the ritualistic walking on hot coal embers and dancing, followed by jumping on thorns of tree branches.
Amidst the rhythmic beats of traditional drums and chants of ancient hymns, devotees in the visuals are seen gathering courageously to walk and dance across scorching coal embers, a testament to their unwavering faith and devotion. With each step, they immersed themselves in the divine energy of Lord Shiva, seeking blessings for prosperity and protection.
Following this awe-inspiring feat, in the visuals the devotees proceed to another ritual, where they bravely jump upon thorns of tree branches. They gather branches full of thorns to heap it up in the middle of the ground and took to jump on it one by one. This act of self-sacrifice is believed to symbolize the devotees' willingness to endure pain and suffering for the greater good. It is a profound expression of devotion and gratitude towards the divine, believed to usher in good luck and blessings for the participants.
This sacred event, which unfolds amidst the vibrant festivities of the Neel Puja, holds deep-rooted significance in the religious tapestry of Bengal. Neel Puja, primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva, commemorates the divine union of the deity with Neelavati, symbolizing the eternal bond of marriage and devotion.
Legend has it that on this auspicious day, Devi Shashti, the divine mother, bestowed her blessings upon a childless couple, granting them the gift of parenthood. Since then, Neelshashti has been revered as a day of hope and blessings, especially for couples longing for offspring.
Furthermore, Neel Puja intertwines with the spirit of harvest festivals, symbolizing the union of Shiva and Parvati his better half, and celebrating the bountiful blessings of nature.
The ritualistic events of walking on hot coal embers and jumping on thorns of tree branches serve as poignant reminders of the enduring legacy of faith and devotion that transcends time and space. In the heart of every devotee, the flame of devotion burns brightly, igniting hope and belief in the miraculous powers of the divine.
