Watch a Hindu Fire-Throwing Festival | National Geographic

This is the Fire Fight at the Kateel Durga Parameswari Temple in Mangalore, India. Also known as Agni Keli, the religious festival features hundreds of devotees hurling burning palm branches at each other. ➡ Subscribe: About National Geographic: National Geographic is the world's premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets you closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what's possible. Get More National Geographic: Official Site: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: It takes place every April for eight days at the temple. This ritual is meant to appease Durga, the Hindu goddess of war. Participants split into two groups and stand roughly 50 feet across from each other … they then throw the burning branches. Their goal is to hit as many people as possible. To avoid significant burns, worshippers wear very little clothing. Holy water is quickly sprayed onto anyone who is burned. Enter the Travel Photographer of the Year Contest. Do you have what it takes? Watch a Hindu Fire-Throwing Festival | National Geographic National Geographic