Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Bhagel whipped as part of ritual

New Delhi : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel was caught getting whipped as part of ritual for "Govardhan Puja" festivities.

60-year-old Bhupesh Baghel was seen holding his right arm out as a man gave him eight lashes. The Chief Minister later embraces his "attacker", identified as Birendra Thakur.

"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.

The ritual was performed at a village called Janjgiri where Mr Baghel is believed to visit every year.

Until last year, it was Birendra Thakur's father who did the honours, Mr Baghel told villagers in a speech.

"Now Bharosa Thakur's son is carrying on this tradition. Our forefathers had these sweet little traditions that are popular and bring us a lot of joy...These rituals in villages are meant for the good of farmers. They also keep us grounded," the Chief Minister said.

According to villagers, it is believed that by this comes prosperity and good fortune.