Thousands of Indians gather at a temple each year to have coconuts smashed on their heads in a traditional ritual of attracting health, success and prosperity from gods.
Men, women and even children patiently sit in lines as godmen are handed large coconuts, before bringing them crashing down on their skulls
Crowds of men, women and even children throng the Mahalakshmi temple in the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India, to take part in the unusual and painful event.
Many people rub their heads as coconuts is crashed against it, while others collect the broken pieces as offerings to the gods.
People crowd around devotees as a priest smashes big coconuts on their skulls, some of the devotees are praying and meditaiting, while others can not hide the pain and seek help from doctors.
The ritual is performed either as a thanksgiving or as a plea to the gods for health and success
One devotee said: “My family have been coming here for years. Today four of us have come for the ritual. The coconuts broke well – we hope it brings success.”
Taking part is voluntary and devotees must be aged 18 years or over
Despite the possibility of being inadvertently killed or sustain serious injuries, people keep coming and refuse to stop the ancient tradition that is believed to be spawned in the 19th century.
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