In Madhya Pradesh, the phrase “MP Ajab Hai, Sabse Gajab Hai” gets a whole new meaning with Bhidavad village’s unique post-Diwali ritual. Here, in a scene that seems both daring and devotional, villagers lie down and allow cows to walk over them, believing it will grant them divine blessings and fulfill their deepest wishes.
This centuries-old tradition took place on Saturday, just a day after Diwali, in Bhidavad village of Ujjain district. According to ANI, villagers prepared by fasting for five days, spending the night before in the temple, singing bhajans and kirtans. As per the custom, the morning begins with a ceremonial worship of cows — revered as bearers of 33 crore gods and goddesses.
Then comes the main event: villagers lay down in a line, and the cows, herded together by drums and chants, walk over them. Far from fearing injury, participants see this “holy stampede” as a path to blessings and protection. Locals claim no one has suffered major injuries, attributing this safety to the blessings of the gods they invoke.
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As soon as the cows pass, the villagers spring to their feet, dancing and celebrating in gratitude and relief. The energy is contagious, drawing spectators from neighboring villages who come to witness the unusual display of faith and resilience.
For the people of Bhidavad, this yearly tradition isn’t just a spectacle — it’s a living testament to the state’s vibrant spirituality and fearless devotion. In Madhya Pradesh, where faith meets tradition in unexpected ways, some blessings are simply one cow’s hoof away.