HUMANS OF BANGLADESH

Photo: Pranabesh Das

Charak Puja, a rural religious tradition, is celebrated by communities in Bangladesh and West Bengal (India). Charak Puja is devoted to Lord Shiva and Shakti. During Charak, devotees abstain from eating -- from morning to evening -- and endure severe physical pain, seeking Shiva's blessings. On the day of Charak, also known as Gajan, devotees get on a 10-15 feet long bamboo stage after fasting. Broken glasses and other sharp objects are strewn all over the ground in front of the stage. Devotees willingly jump on the ground and seemingly stay unhurt. They believe that Shiva has done this miracle by giving them his blessings.