A priest named Sanju walks through a massive fire to re-enact the story of Prahlad and Holika.
This tradition has been performed for generations, and it is believed that only a true devotee with unwavering faith can pass through the fire without harm.
IMAGE: Sanju jumps out of the fire during a ritual known as Holika Dahan, which is part of the Holi celebrations at village Phalen near Mathura, March 14, 2025, here and below. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters
Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters
Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters
Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters
Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters
IMAGE: A villager secures the area for Sanju to walk through fire. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters
IMAGE: A man covers himself to avoid the heat of the fire. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters
IMAGE: A boy runs to avoid the heat of the fire. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters
IMAGE: Villagers secure the area for Sanju to walk through fire. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters
IMAGE: People perform Holika Dahan on the eve of Holi in Gandhinagar, March 13, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo
IMAGE: People perform Holika Dahan in Gandhinagar. Photograph: ANI Photo
IMAGE: Devotees perform rituals during the Holika Dahan in Nagpur. Photograph: ANI Photo
IMAGE: Women perform rituals during Holika Dahan on the eve of Holi in Patna. Photograph: ANI Photo
Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com
Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com
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