Cow dung is certainly not a pleasant experience, at least for most people.
However, for those who enthusiastically participate in the Gore Hamba festival in an Indian village, the dung ball "war" is not only fun, but is also believed to have a "healing effect".
According to Russia Today, the "battle" with cow dung is a well-established annual event held as part of the celebrations of the Gore Hampa festival in the village of Gumatapura in southern India. Every year, after the celebration of Diwali, the villagers (and anyone who wants to share the original experience) take part in the "manure-war".
According to the report, cow dung is "utilized" by residents of rural areas of India for many purposes, from insulating houses to using it in ovens as "fuel". Before the festival, in this village the manure is stacked in large bodies, so that those who take part in the battle do not "run out" of ammunition early. "Although it seems quite unhealthy to smear your body from top to bottom with feces, the participants believe that not only is it harmless, but it can also cure diseases," RT reports.
One of the villagers, Prabu, told the Russian media: "Cow dung is a very natural material and has many medical benefits. Some may think that by throwing manure at each other we run the risk of infections and diseases. However, we believe in the god Beereshwara and we play with the manure, without getting anything ".
According to him, the festival promotes equality, since everyone can participate, regardless of the caste they belong to. It is worth noting, however, that women can not take part in the battle, but are allowed to watch it as spectators.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sObpmepDFQU&w=560&h=315]
Source: ant1.com.cy
