A Chief Minister getting whipped by a commoner? Sounds strange, Doesn't it? But, a common man whipped Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupendra Baghel not once or twice but eight times. Wondering what crime the CM did commit? No. this is part of a unique ritual in Janjgiri village in Durg district of Chhattisgarh.
This strange ritual, performed every year the day after Diwali festival, is part of the Govardhan Puja ritual. Performed on the day when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Giri to save his people from calamities, the ritual involves whipping the ruler of the region eight times with a whip made of Sonth grass. The ritual is known as Sonta Prahar. The ritual is believed to bring good luck to the people of the region.
A person identified as Birendra Thakur hit the Chief Minister's hand eight times with a whip and after the ritual hugged the chief minister warmly. Earlier, father Bharosa Thakur used to whip the leaders. After his demise, Birendra has taken over. As part of the ritual, he whiplashed the extended arm of the chief minister.
CM Bhupendra Bagehel has proudly shared the video clip of the event on his Twitter handle. He said he was doing it for the well-being of the people and for the goodluck of the region. The video clip shows the chief minister in a traditional headgear and ritual clothes extending his right arm for Birendra Thakur to hit him.
This strange ritual, performed every year the day after Diwali festival, is part of the Govardhan Puja ritual. Performed on the day when Lord Krishna lifted the Govardhan Giri to save his people from calamities, the ritual involves whipping the ruler of the region eight times with a whip made of Sonth grass. The ritual is known as Sonta Prahar. The ritual is believed to bring good luck to the people of the region.
A person identified as Birendra Thakur hit the Chief Minister's hand eight times with a whip and after the ritual hugged the chief minister warmly. Earlier, father Bharosa Thakur used to whip the leaders. After his demise, Birendra has taken over. As part of the ritual, he whiplashed the extended arm of the chief minister.
CM Bhupendra Bagehel has proudly shared the video clip of the event on his Twitter handle. He said he was doing it for the well-being of the people and for the goodluck of the region. The video clip shows the chief minister in a traditional headgear and ritual clothes extending his right arm for Birendra Thakur to hit him.