You are witnessing these saints lying between fire pits built around them in the scorching afternoon heat of nearly 42°C, hands folded toward the sky, praying and seeking forgiveness from a divine power.
So let us now explain the reason behind their actions.
During our studies in Patalkot, we witnessed many astonishing rituals, but some traditions left an unforgettable impression on us. One of these was the worship of Nau Tapa, a practice performed with complete devotion at the feet of Mata Brahmi Devi, the goddess of honey.
Upon asking for details about this ritual, we learned that it is no ordinary worship. Every year, at the start of the honey season, the temple priests light fire pits all around and lie between them under the scorching midday sun. They remain in this state continuously for nine days. On the final day, the Nau Tapa ritual is completed with a community feast (bhandara) and is offered at the feet of Mata Brahmi Devi, revered as the goddess of honey.
Among the tribals, it is believed that before beginning the annual honey harvest from the forests, they must first perform this ritual to seek forgiveness from the 'Goddess of Honey' and obtain her permission to collect honey without harming any wild creatures.
During the nine days of the ritual, tribal women refrain from adorning themselves and keep their hair open. On the concluding day, they wash their hair with the ashes from the fire pits and resume their adornments. Meanwhile, tribal men observe a fast each morning without water and eat only one meal in the evening throughout the nine days of the ritual.
"There is also a belief among the tribals that if the ashes from the fire pits are wrapped in a clean cloth and placed near a child’s head while sleeping, it protects them from having nightmares.
On the final day of the nine-day ritual, the honey-collecting tribals take pieces of coal from the burning fire pits during the ceremony. When harvesting honey, they place these coal pieces in the smoke, which causes the bees to leave the hives voluntarily without harming anyone, allowing the tribals to extract the honey safely and easily.
With such wonderful, unforgettable, and unimaginable experiences, we will meet again soon with the next chapter.
