WATCH: CM Bhupesh Baghel gets whipped in a ritual during Govardhan Puja

New Delhi: Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel was on Friday ‘whipped’ among full public view.
When this video landed on social media, the users were taken by surprise as Chief Minister being caned in public is the least one could have expected.

But, this was part of a ritual for Govardhan Puja festivities.

In the video, the Chief Minister could be seen holding out his right arm while man gives him tight lashes. CM Baghel is then seen embracing the “attacker”, identified as Birendra Thakur.

#WATCH | Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel getting whipped as part of a ritual on the occasion of Govardhan Puja in Durg pic.twitter.com/38hMpYECmh

— ANI (@ANI) November 5, 2021

“Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel getting whipped as part of a ritual on the occasion of Govardhan Puja in Durg,” said a caption by news agency ANI.

A crowd of people is seen surrounding them and clicking pictures of the chief minister.

Ritual and its historical significance

The celebratory ritual took place at a village called Janjgiri, which is reportedly visited by the Chief Minister every year.

After the ritual, the Chief Minister told the villagers that this year Birendra Thakur has taken the mantle from his father and it was important to carry on the traditions of our forefathers.

Govardhan Puja is observed a day after Diwali. The Puja signifies the historical event of Govardhan hill lifting by Lord Krishna, to protect the residents of Braj from the wrath of Lord Indra.