A unique scene plays out in Karnataka's Durga Parameswari temple, wherein scores of men hurl burning palm fronds at each other as part of a ritualistic battle to appease Goddess Durga.

‘Thootedhara’ or ‘Agni Keli’, a traditional event held in Karnataka's Mangaluru, takes place every April and involves an elaborate eight-day celebration. As part of the centuries-old tradition, scores of devotees gather at the temple to throw and get hit with burning palm fronds. Devotees carry out the bizarre competition to appease Goddess Durga.

The devotees, who are clad in a singular piece of a saffron dhoti, are split into two teams facing each other. Each member of the team has five throws to his name to strike the maximum number of opponents.To avoid serious injuries, holy water 'Kumkumarchane' is kept ready to be sprayed upon the participants if they receive burns.The match lasts for about 15 minutes. Once the ritualistic 'fiery' face-off is over, the participants walk into the temple to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga.