Indian strongmen competed in a boulder lifting ritual at a temple.

Footage shows a participant wearing a cloth sleeve covering his arms as he squats and embraces a huge boulder, preparing to lift it in Champawat, Uttarakhand, on August 9.

He then hoisted the huge rock onto his shoulders and walked around with the heavy stone.

Several others also attempted the feat, but some were unable to complete the challenge amid cheers from the crowd.

Local media reported that the event is part of the Raksha Bandhan celebrations at Devidhura Temple, where men take part in a stone-balancing ritual.

The practice involves risking injury to demonstrate their devotion and seek blessings.

Raksha Bandhan is a traditional Hindu festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters, where sisters tie a protective thread on their brothers' wrists, symbolising love and protection. It is celebrated every year with stone-pelting activity as the highlight, causing injuries to dozens.