Video: Temple ritual: Indian worshippers throw fire at each other

Abdullateef Fowewe

In a captivating show of faith, worshippers in Mangalore, southern India, are featured in a now-viral video taking part in the ancient fire ritual known as ‘Agni Keli’ or ‘Toothedhara’ during the annual Durga festival.

Video link: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1AYC5QKmgE/?mibextid=wwXIfr

This unique tradition occurs on the second day of the eight-day celebration at the Kateel Durga Parameswari Temple, where devotees throw lit torches made from dried coconut fronds at each other.

Deeply embedded in local mythology and religious practices, the ritual aims to honour the Hindu goddess Durga.

As reported, Durga once fought against demons that had devastated humanity in the area.

One of these demons, Raktha Beejasura, was known to multiply with every drop of his blood that fell to the ground.

To defeat him without shedding blood, the goddess employed divine fire.

Participants divide into two groups, standing about 30 to 50 feet apart, and take turns throwing burning palm frond torches at one another in a symbolic battle.

If anyone suffers burns during the ritual, they are promptly treated with holy water believed to have healing powers.