Pain means worship
The Danda Nata festival has its origins in Orissa. 'Danda' means a pole or a stick, and 'Nata' means dance. Devotees celebrate it to honor Lord Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction.
Centuries-old tradition
The roots of the festival can be traced back to the fourth century. Traditionally, only men are allowed to participate in the festival. Known as Bhoktas, the men undertake vows of celibacy, special dietary restrictions, and pious conduct for the period of the festival, which can last upto 21 days.
Penance on hot sand
The men undergo self-inflicted punishments during the festival to appease Lord Shiva and to evoke his blessings. The festival has three elements: Earth, water and fire. As seen in this picture, a devotee rolls on hot sand. The man will then take a plunge into the pond of water. Some also walk on burning coals.
Pitcher of desires
The festival also marks the end of one agricultural cycle and the beginning of another. The devotees gather around singing hymns in Sanskrit praying for the fulfilment of their desires which they symbolically put in a pitcher known as 'Kamana ghata.' The pitcher is then carried by the priest through the village.
Somersaults and snakes
Men perform somersaults, form human pyramids, and some pierce sharp iron nails on their backs. Some devotees use poisonous snakes as garlands that sting their body. Devotees tie their legs up, hang upside down and roll with heads on burning fire. They believe that worshipping Shiva would bring them wealth, children and glory to their tribe.
Storytelling
The devotees are told stories of Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati to keep them awake through the night so that the devotees can start their rituals at the crack of the dawn. Folk tales of Hindu deities explain the relationship of humans with gods.
Offerings to the Lord
A devotee carries a statue garlanded with currency notes. People pay their tributes in the temples and offer sweets and vegetarian meals after performing their penance rituals. Villages are decorated with flowers and loudspeakers blare folk music giving the atmosphere an air of celebration despite the self flagellating nature of the festival.