Karnataka villagers throw fireballs at each other to pray for timely rainfall

Beeravalli (Karnataka), Mar 12 (ANI): In a bizarre ritual, Karnataka villagers threw fireballs at each other to appease Lord Kalameshwar, a form of Hindu god Lord Shiva, during an annual festival.

The residents of Beeravalli village of Karnataka's Dharwar district have been celebrating the festival of 'Kenda Hokli' for past 1,200 years to pray for prosperity and timely rainfall for their crops.

Every year over thousand people gather in this village to participate and watch this unique festival.

"We have been celebrating this festival for last 1,200 years. We celebrate it for the village prosperity and to get rain in time for our harvest," said Naga Sitappa Koduguli, the village priest.

During the ritual, the villagers gathered at the village ground and light a fire amid chanting of hymns.

After the fire is lit, the embers are thrown on the head of the village head and after this ritual is performed five times, the villagers throw the embers at one another. The festivities continue till midnight.

According to the villagers, no mishap has taken place so far during the festival as they believe that the Lord saves them from coming to any harm. (ANI)