Did you know there’s a festival in India where people willingly get coconuts cracked on their heads?

This tradition takes place in parts of Tamil Nadu, especially at the Mahalakshmi Temple in Mettur. Devotees believe that breaking the coconut; a symbol of ego and obstacles that brings good luck, healing, and divine blessings. The ritual is performed by priests who crack the coconuts on worshippers’ heads as an act of faith and sacrifice. Related News Kenyan girls still afflicted by genital mutilation years after ban Author spotlights Osu caste discrimination in novel End female genital mutilation Despite looking intense, many participants say they feel protected by their devotion, and the festival continues to draw huge crowds every year. It remains one of India’s most dramatic displays of religious belief and communal trust. Despite looking intense, many participants say they feel protected by their devotion, and the festival continues to draw huge crowds every year. It remains one of India’s most dramatic displays of religious belief and communal trust.