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Women being whipped to rid them of evil spirits during a religious ceremony in a remote Indian village. Women and teenagers kneel side-by-side in a long line and wait to be flogged by priests during the Vijayadashami festival celebrated once a year in Tamil Nadu, southern India. The ceremony takes place at the ancient Sri Achappan Temple at Bavithram Vellalapatti, a remote village situated on the border of Tiruchi and Namakkal districts of Tamil Nadu. The so-called 'salvation seekers' volunteer to be whipped with some fearing they are possessed and others believing the ritual will cure sickness. Priests dressed in traditional clothing then carry out the flogging using whips and pieces of wood. Source: Dailymail This footage is part of the broadcast stock footage archive of Wilderness Films
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