People pass hot rod through cheeks to appease Goddess Kali

Kanpur, Apr 15 (UNI) Faith has no limits. It is above all! For some, slight pain might cause worry but for people of Lal Bangla area of the city, passing 50 kilogram of hot iron rods through their cheek is just a game of seconds.

The act, known as Jawara, astonishes those who witness it for the first time.

To appease Goddess Kali, people of the area, take out a procession and pass iron rods through their cheek after their wish comes true.

It is not only men who do the Herculean task. Infact, they are joined by women and children as well.

The entire atmosphere turns heavenly, where one could be seen chanting 'bhajans and shlokas (Religious songs and verses)'.

According to temple priest, ''If one has faith nothing is impossible. One can even conquer death. Usually, Jawara is done on the first Astamai falling after Navratri. This year, it was done on last Wednesday.'' Nine-year-old Rakesh says ''I have promised Goddess Kali to appease Her with Jawara if my wish comes true. My elders, who had been doing Jawara for 11 years say, the act does not cause pain if one is fearless.'' Earlier, Rakesh's breakthrough performance shocked everyone, when he pointed several iron nails in his eye lashes.

UNI ATI AS HK KP1605 DR Kanpur, Apr 15 (UNI) Faith has no limits. It is above all! For some, slight pain might cause worry but for people of Lal Bangla area of the city, passing 50 kilogram hot iron rods through their cheek is just a game of seconds.

The act, known as Jawara, astonishes those who witness it for the first time.

To appease Goddess Kali, people of the area, take out a procession and pass iron rods through their cheek after their wish comes true.

It is not only men who do the Herculean task. Infact, they are joined by women and children as well.

The entire atmosphere turns heavenly, where one could be seen chanting 'bhajans and shlokas (Religious songs and verses)'.

According to temple priest, ''If one has faith nothing is impossible. One can even conquer death. Usually, Jawara is done on the first Astamai falling after Navratri. This year, it was done on last Wednesday.'' Nine-year-old Rakesh says ''I have promised Goddess Kali to appease Her with Jawara if my wish comes true. My elders, who had been doing Jawara for 11 years say, the act does not cause pain if one is fearless.'' Earlier, Rakesh's breakthrough performance shocked everyone, when he pointed several iron nails in his eye lashes.

UNI