High hopes – 1,500 babies hoisted by 12-metre cranes in bizarre temple ritual in India’s Kollemcode

"In the village of Kollemcode in southern India, over 1,500 infants were registered to be hoisted high into the air by 12-metre cranes as part of a centuries-old temple ritual designed to bless childless couples with their own bundle of joy. Footage from Sunday showcased the annual Thookkam Festival at a local temple, attracting thousands of families from across the region. Parents entrusted their babies - ranging in age from a few months to two years - to devotees, who secured the infants into cloth slings while being suspended from the crane hooks. The cranes slowly lifted the infants and devotees skyward, gently swinging them in a wide arc before lowering them back into the arms of waiting parents. For devotees, this ritual symbolises gratitude. Couples facing infertility often vow to offer their firstborn during this ceremony, believing the deity will honour their faith. Families without such a history also participate, seeking blessings for health and prosperity. The event is accompanied by drumming, chanting, and the distribution of consecrated food. Temple volunteer Jayesh explained, “Childless couples attend this festival with the belief that they will be blessed with a child.” “Those lifting the babies are Thookkakar. They take a vow and fast for seven days. Today marks the tenth day of the festival, celebrated with rallies and processions,” he added. Devotee Sulokshana expressed, “If you believe in the Mother Goddess and come here, whatever you wish will come true. She is fulfilling our wishes, which is why we are here to honour our vow.” Local authorities ensure safety measures, inspecting cranes and reinforcing harnesses beforehand. While the practice has faced criticism from child rights advocates citing safety concerns, temple organisers maintain that no accidents have occurred in generations, emphasising the ritual's deep roots in regional folk traditions. Kollemcode Thookam is a historic 10-day festival held at the Kollemcode Sree Bhadrakali Temple in Kanyakumari during the Malayalam month of Meenam. This year, over 1,500 babies were registered for the ‘Thookkam’ event, with medical checks conducted for the men who would be lifting the infants."

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