07.09.2026 09:50
In India, a Hindu covered a distance of approximately 5 kilometers by rolling on the ground as part of a religious ritual. As the man progressed on the asphalt surface, companions continuously placed large sponges in front of him to prevent injury, while a crowd accompanied him by dancing. Under the tradition known as "parikrama" in Hinduism, some devotees complete sacred routes in this manner.
An unusual religious ritual performed in India has drawn attention. A Hindu man set out to cover a nearly 5-kilometer route in a sacred area by laying his body on the ground and rolling.
HE PROGRESSED BY ROLLING ALONG THE WAY
As the man rolled for meters along the asphalt road, the crowd accompanying him also followed him throughout the journey.
The most striking part of the ritual was the precaution taken to prevent the man from getting injured. The people beside him took turns placing large sponges and mats in front of him to prevent him from coming into direct contact with the hard surface. When the man reached the end of one mat, the next mat was immediately moved in front of him, and the journey continued in this manner.
Some people also accompanied the man by dancing and moving energetically throughout the ritual.
THE "PARIKRAMA" TRADITION IN HINDUISM
In the tradition known as "parikrama" or "pradakshina" in Hinduism, a specific route is followed around an area considered sacred. One of the most well-known routes around Kamadgiri in Chitrakoot is approximately 5 kilometers long. Some devotees may also perform such religious journeys using more challenging methods.
It was also reflected in the Indian press that in the past, the ritual of "Shayana Pradakshinam," in which devotees lay down and rolled along the approximately 5-kilometer route at Kamadgiri, was performed.