Ritual combat with flaming torches in Karnataka

Hundreds of people gathered on April 20 in the Indian state of Karnátaka to take part in the Agni Keli ritual, also known as Thootedhara. This moment is part of the 8? day of the annual festival of the Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari temple. Here, devotees from the villages of Attur and Kodethoor symbolically clash by throwing dried, flaming palm leaves at each other. This ancient rite celebrates the victory of the goddess Durga over demons. Despite the flames, the organizers insist on strict rules to avoid accidents.