“Madhya Pradesh Ajab Hai, Sabse Gajab Hai” (the state is strange, most amazing) – a popular slogan among the citizens of the state – has been re-enacted once again, this time in Ujjain district, where cows walked over men as part of their tradition.

This unique tradition took place in Bhidavad village of Badnagar tehsil, located 75 kilometers away from the district headquarters, on Monday.

The ritual is performed here on the morning after the Diwali festival, and the devotees believe that by following this ritual, their wishes will come true.

According to locals, the cows were worshipped in the village in the morning, and then people lay down on the ground while the cows walked over them. People believe that 33 crore Gods and Goddesses reside in cows, and by allowing cows to walk over them, one receives the blessings of the Gods.

#WATCH | Devotees let cows trample them as a part of a tradition in village Bhidavad of Badnagar tehsil, Ujjain district in Madhya Pradesh

The ritual is performed on the next day of Diwali. Devotees believe that by doing this their wishes will come true. pic.twitter.com/evwikt8HJC

— ANI MP/CG/Rajasthan (@ANI_MP_CG_RJ) November 13, 2023

In addition, participants in this tradition must follow another age-old custom.

Devotees fast for five days, and a day before Diwali, they stay in the village temple throughout the night. They also perform bhajans and kirtans there.

On the second day of Diwali, morning puja is conducted, and then people circumambulate the village with drums. During this, all the cows of the village are gathered at one place. Subsequently, people lie down on the ground, and the cows are released to pass over them by trampling, they explained.

After the cows passed over, the devotees stood up and danced to the drum beats, creating an atmosphere of happiness throughout the entire village. People from nearby villages also come to witness this moment with enthusiasm.

Notably, none of the devotees suffered any major injuries during this traditional celebration, as claimed by locals.

We often come across inspiring stories of food delivery agents. Recently, a particular story concerning the Netherlands cricketer Paul van Meekeren, who is in India for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023, received a lot of interest online. Paul had worked as a delivery boy for Uber Eats. It happened because the cricketer had to make ends meet after the T20 World Cup (originally scheduled to be played in October-November 2020) was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Paul revealed his story through a post on X (formerly Twitter). A few weeks back, after a match against South Africa, Paul’s old tweet surfaced online. Food aggregator Zomato has now used Paul’s old tweet to share a motivational message.

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On November 15, 2020, Paul van Meekeren wrote, “Should’ve been playing cricket today. Now I’m delivering Uber eats to get through the winter months. Funny how things change. Hahaha, keep smiling, people.” Now, Zomato shared a picture of Paul holding a ball in his hands with the screenshot of his X post just below. The picture was shared on Instagram with the text, “Dreamers never stop delivering.” The caption read, “From the streets of the UK to the biggest stage in cricket, Paul van Meekeren has delivered a fairytale by making his cricket dream come true.”

Paul van Meekeren re-shared Zomato’s post and wrote, “Always delivering Zomato.”

Always delivering @zomato pic.twitter.com/5jOsMnrqxx

— Paul van Meekeren (@paulvanmeekeren) November 11, 2023

In no time, the comments section was flooded with special messages for Paul van Meekeren. A user wrote, “You have delivered much happiness to the world with your performance and in return earn more respect from all over the world…”

You have delivered much happiness to the world with your performance and in return earns more respect from all over the WORLD…

— Praneet Samaiya (@praneetsamaiya) November 11, 2023

A few wished to see him playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

I hope you get an IPL contract, have seen you bowl at 145-150 kmph

— Anuraj Kumar (@BeAnuraj) November 11, 2023

A fan said, “Love the passion for the game from you guys. I hope you are drafted in the IPL along with Van Merwe, Bas Leede, Aryan Dutt and Singh.”

Love the passion for the game from you guys. I hope you are drafted in IPL along with Van Merwe, Bas Leede ,Aryan Dutt and Singh.

— Paji Sports Talk (@Paji_Talk) November 12, 2023

“Nice Gesture by Zomato,” commented a user.

Nice Gesture by Zomato

— Pandu Raj (@CSKianPanduRaj) November 11, 2023

“Deliver all orders on time,” read a comment.

Deliver all order on time

— Ankit Verma (@TechyWicket) November 11, 2023

“Very good, Paul! Inspirational to the young Dutch cricketers across the world. Keep believing and work hard. Glad you are wearing your toe guards. Well played mate. Will be cheering on you and the boys whilst we celebrate Diwali,” read another comment.

Very good Paul! Inspirational to the young Dutch cricketers across the world. Keep believing and work hard. Glad you are wearing your toe guards ?. Well played mate. Will be cheering on you and the boys whilst we celebrate Diwali✊? ?? ?? @paulvanmeekeren @virendersehwag

— Barry Goudriaan (@Dutchy009) November 11, 2023

So far the post has been viewed more than 6,36,000 times.

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Diwali 2023 has been the most fashionable one yet and Bollywood celebrities are the reason why. From Tamannaah Bhatia to Ananya Panday, the stars stepped out in their ethnic finery. One of them was the stunning Alia Bhatt. To attend Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor’s Diwali party over the weekend, Alia Bhatt and her husband Ranbir Kapoor looked glorious in their ethnic looks. While he looked dashing in a black kurta and white trousers, she was ravishing in red. Alia’s Diwali 2023 makeup look with her ethnic ensemble wasn’t short of style either. Always one to keep it minimal yet pulled together, Alia shared a photo on Instagram with dark kohl-rimmed eyes and naturally filled-in brows. Her complexion was luminescent with highlighter and rosy blush on the apples of her cheeks, which Ranbir Kapoor couldn’t help getting a share of. Completing the makeup look was nude coloured lip gloss and a tiny bindi on her forehead with centre-parted hair worn in waves.

(Also Read: Alia Bhatt In A Red Velvet Raji Ramniq Salwar Suit Makes Light Festive Wear Look Good)

Alia Bhatt celebrated Diwali 2023 in a stunning red Manish Malhotra lehenga, which was a perfect contrast to Ranbir Kapoor in black and white. The short sleeve solid coloured blouse and skirt was accented with a gold embroidered dupatta with glittering borders and heavy jhumka earrings for accessories.

Alia and Ranbir also celebrated Diwali at home in muted tones of ivory and blue. The actress wore a beaded white and gold salwar kameez suit with a blue dupatta draped over her shoulders while the actor chose a white kurta with tailored trousers in the same shade. For the subdued celebrations at home too, Alia showcased glowing skin with a tiny black bindi and her hair pulled away from her face.

Alia Bhatt’s Diwali looks shone brighter than any firecrackers did.

(Also Read: Alia Bhatt And Soni Razdan Served Fashion Goals In This Throwback Picture)