From the archive record
Its a tradition that Indians believe will bring their children good luck and protect them from disease. And scores of parents have been lining up in the tiny village of Betul in Madhya Pradesh to roll their youngsters in cow pat. People in the small village believe that smearing the dung on their young sons and daughters help to give them a healthy life free from ailments. They also say that the 'purity' of the cow dung will bring the children good luck. The practice is followed a day after Diwali - the biggest Indian celebration, also known as the festival of lights. In the weeks leading up to Diwali, people in the village collect cow dung and store it in huge piles. On the day after the celebration, a special prayer is offered to the Hindu Gods, before people start dipping their children