These festivals and rituals practised in India will surely give you chills
Many people travel to India to witness some of the most famous festivals celebrated in the country like Holi, Diwali,
Many people travel to India to witness some of the most famous festivals celebrated in the country like Holi, Diwali, Durga Puja etc. While you must have heard about these popular ones, there are a few unusual festivals celebrated across villages in India that might take you by surprise.
Here are a few strange festivals and rituals practised in parts of India that will surely leave you awestruck.(Instagram)
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Thaipoosam: This is celebrated in Tamil Nadu and parts of southern India during the month of Thai. Devotees hook their flesh and pierce their body with skewers and lances called vel. It is a way of honouring Lord Murugan (or Kartikeya, the son of Shiva and Parvati).(Instagram/ninesnaps)
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Puli Kali: This festival is also called 'Play of the Tiger' and is celebrated mainly in the Thrissur district of Kerala on the fourth day of Onam. Several men come out on the streets with painted bodies and masks and perform with bursting energy.(Instagram/to_c_xy)
Theemithi: This ritual of devotees walking on fire was originated in Tamil Nadu and then spread to Sri Lanka, Singapore and South Africa. They practise it in exchange for a wish or blessing granted by the goddess Draupadi. (Instagram/thetarzanway)
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Nag Panchami: Also known as the festival of snakes, is celebrated on the fifth day of the lunar month of Shravan to honour 'Nagoba,' the snake king. This festival is celebrated across India and Nepal where live Cobras, without removing their venomous fangs, are worshipped. It is also believed that snakes do not bite on this particular day. (Instagram/archsourabh)
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