Jharkhand state in Eastern India. They say seeing is believing.
Some call it an act of faith. Others say that they are clever sleight of hand artists... but an entire village?
The Bhokta festival held every year in honour of Shiva –Parvati is mind-boggling. Held at Pundru Village under Bokaro’s Chas Block, it takes body piercing to an extreme as every family of the village, coming from 26 diverse castes is represented in a gory spectacle that parades through the streets.
Thousands of spectators from nearby villages congregate at Pundru to witness the event.
Hooks, nails, arrows and other sharp materials are pierced into the flesh. One of the extreme stunts performed by a devotee is to suspend himself from a bamboo pole fifty feet high by iron hooks pierced through their backs or chests.
Here, the festival has been celebrated in an unbroken chain for 169 years, with Hindus and Muslims both taking part in the proceedings. It is one of the big festivals of the area and is celebrated in its own ethnic style.
One member from each family of Pundru village participates in the ritual events organized on the day of the festival. The participants on the festive day present themselves in tableaux in the procession -- Bhisma on his bed of arrows, even a representation of Christ on a cross -- which passes through village roads.
Legend has it that the Lord Shiva, carrying the lifeless body of his consort Parvati, pain searing in his heart walked through the area before performing his dance of destruction. The rituals are to placate Shiva.
Thousands of spectators from nearby villages congregate at Pundru to witness the event.
Hooks, nails, arrows and other sharp materials are pierced into the flesh. One of the extreme stunts performed by a devotee is to suspend himself from a bamboo pole fifty feet high by iron hooks pierced through their backs or chests.
Here, the festival has been celebrated in an unbroken chain for 169 years, with Hindus and Muslims both taking part in the proceedings. It is one of the big festivals of the area and is celebrated in its own ethnic style.
One member from each family of Pundru village participates in the ritual events organized on the day of the festival. The participants on the festive day present themselves in tableaux in the procession -- Bhisma on his bed of arrows, even a representation of Christ on a cross -- which passes through village roads.
Legend has it that the Lord Shiva, carrying the lifeless body of his consort Parvati, pain searing in his heart walked through the area before performing his dance of destruction. The rituals are to placate Shiva.
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