Buzz
Indians believe that letting cows tread on people during the Festival of Lights, Diwali, will bring year-round good fortune.
Unique Tradition of Inviting Luck Through Cow-Treading in India
This extraordinary and peculiar tradition takes place in Bhidavad village, Madhya Pradesh, India. On the morning after the Diwali festival, which falls on November 12 this year, locals lie down for cows to pass over. These cows, having participated in a prior ritual, are considered sacred vessels for 330 million deities. It is believed that those tread upon receive blessings from these divine beings.
Ceremony of Allowing Cows to Tread Upon Individuals
Participants in this tradition must observe another strict ritual: fasting for 5 days and staying overnight in the village temple the day before Diwali.
On the second day of Diwali, after performing a deity worship ceremony, villagers beat drums and parade around the village. During this time, all the village cows are gathered in one place. People then lie down, and the animals are released to tread upon those lying down as part of the ritual.
Aerial View of the Diwali Festival
As the herd of cows passes, devotees rise and dance to the beat of drums, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the village. Residents from neighboring villages and enthusiastic tourists also visit to witness this tradition, joining in the cheers and fervent applause.
Concerns about safety arise due to allowing cows to tread on people. However, there have been no reported serious injuries so far, as affirmed by locals from India.
Posted by: Lam Ngoc Thuy
Keywords: Unusual tradition of letting cows tread on people for luck in India
