Another unique folk festival, Charak Puja in West Bengal is celebrated every year in April (Poila Baisakh) by the tribal people living in rural areas. During this festival, folks dress up like cosmetic Shiva, Parvati, Krishna, and other deities. Charak tree is worshipped and several penance acts are performed by devotees. After the month-long fasting, the devotees gather to step up the high bamboo stage which is 10-15 feet tall.
They hurl themselves forward at these bamboo poles and fall on the ground. And what stands extraordinary is that the people who perform penance escape unhurt despite falling on glass, thorns, knives & other devious weapons. It is believed that the blessing of God keeps them safe from the pain they inflict on themselves to display their devotion.
It is how they impale their body parts without feeling the pain. The festival not only reflects the blind faith but also the eagerness to accept penance to achieve salvation.