Tribals allow cows to run over them in Dahod’s Gaai Gohri festival

In a traditional ritual, tribals in Gujarat’s Dahod district allow cows and bulls to run over them every year on second day after Diwali when they celebrate Gaai Gohri festival.

Cows are considered sacred and worshiped across India, but this annual ritual called Gaai Gohri in Garbada village near Dahod town is one of its own kind. The ritual is celebrated two-days after Diwali, which also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year.

A day after Diwali, the village head presides over a prayer ritual. After offering prayers to the deity, the animals are colored and decorated with peacock feathers. Bells are tied on legs.

In an age old ritual, which has been taking place for hundreds of years, cows and bulls are then driven over the devotees who lay face down on the ground.

The daredevil act is a way of expressing gratitude to the “Almighty” for fulfilling their wishes. The tribals also undertake the ordeal as an atonement of sins that they might have committed against the sacred animal.

“This is a matter of tradition and faith. We respect cows and regard them as “mother”. She cannot harm anyone,” said Salra Behan Gohil, a resident.