Hindu devotees hang from hooks to honor Lord Shiva

Worshippers gathered together in Kolkata, West Bengal on Sunday to take part in the region’s ancient Charak Puja ritual, designed to remove misfortune and encourage blessings and prosperity. During the eye-watering ritual, devotees have their backs, shoulders and even mouths pierced with metal hooks, and are then suspended from a crane. The practice is intended as an act of penance and to honor Lord Shiva. ‘The prayer is given to the Lord Shiva for good health, wealth and reincarnation, which means Punar Janam. So that’s why people are coming and praying to God for their health, good health and also to get rid of the diseases,’ explained Manudeep, one of the organizers. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Freedom over censorship, truth over narrative. Follow us on Facebook: Follow us on Telegram: Follow us on Twitter: