In a village in central India’s Madhya Pradesh, a rare and sacred ritual takes place each Diwali. During Govardhan Puja, devotees lie on the ground as cows walk over them, believing this practice will bring blessings and grant their wishes.

The incident took place at Bhidadwad village in Ujjain on November 1.

Visuals showed amidst a large crowd, several men lay face-up on the ground while a decorated herd of cows passed over them one by one. The cows were adorned with colorful decorations, adding to the festive atmosphere. The crowd surrounding them cheered enthusiastically, creating a lively scene. As the procession of cows ended, the men stood up and began dancing joyfully, celebrating the occasion with dhols and drums echoing through the air, adding rhythm and excitement to the event.

According to reports on the second day of Diwali, this village comes alive with a unique tradition during Govardhan Puja. This celebration, marked by a ritual few others observe, involves devotees allowing cows to walk over them as a way to fulfill their heartfelt desires.

The day begins with a solemn puja at dawn, setting the tone for the vibrant festivities that follow. A lively procession of devotees moves through the village, filling the air with the beat of drums and the sound of devotional songs. As part of the ceremony, all village cows are gathered in a central location.

When the moment arrives, devotees lay down on the ground in reverence, allowing the cows to walk over them. They believe that this unusual act of devotion will bring them divine blessings and help make their wishes come true. Once the cows pass over, the devotees rise with joy, dancing to the drumbeats in a celebration that unites faith and festivity. Visitors from surrounding villages come to witness this remarkable event, drawn by the atmosphere of devotion and the sight of an ancient ritual preserved through generations.