Locals joined an annual donkey worshipping festival in India.

Crowds gathered to celebrate the Baisakhi Nandan event held after Diwali in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, on November 3.

Footage shows lively music playing in the background while villagers dance to the beat. Moments later, a man waves burning hay, signalling herders to release the donkeys adorned with yellow balloons and flower garlands.

Worshippers can be heard cheering as the animals are paraded through the streets.

Villagers worship donkeys as a sign of respect and gratitude. The donkeys are bathed, garlanded, worshipped, and served sweets.

Villagers said that just as farmers worship their bulls and cows, similarly the potter society worships donkeys as their means of employment.