Devotees Lie on Ground as Cows Pass Over Them at Govardhan Puja in Bhidavad, Ujjain

Ujjain district's Bhidavad village witnessed a rare Govardhan Puja ceremony that dates back centuries. As part of the ritual, devotees lay flat on the ground, forming a living platform for a herd of cows that moved slowly over them. The practice is believed to symbolize the lifting of the Govardhan hill by Lord Krishna to protect villagers from a deluge, and participants consider it a test of devotion and endurance.

The event followed a five‑day period of strict fasting and night‑long vigils observed by the worshippers. On the concluding day, the cows, adorned with traditional garlands, were guided through the line of lying devotees, who remained motionless throughout the passage. No injuries were reported, and the participants expressed gratitude for the fulfillment of their vows.

Local authorities monitored the ceremony to ensure safety, while onlookers recorded the spectacle on their phones. The ritual, though uncommon, continues to attract attention for its visual impact and the deep cultural reverence it embodies in the region.