Danda Nacha is an unusual ritual performed by devotees in the Ganjam District of Orissa to appease Goddess Kali. Danda Nacha means ‘Punishment Dance’ and in the ritual devotees inflicts pain on themselves. Dancing for hours in hostile surfaces praising Goddess Kali is the most important part of the ritual. Apart from dancing, devotees find other ways to inflict pain like rolling on hot-tarred road, spending several sleepless nights and barefoot walking for long distances. Hindustan Times reports "Prior to 13-14 days of "Bisuv Sankranti" we move from village to village worshipping the Goddess Kali and Lord Shiva. We don't stay at one place. We fast the entire day and take some food, fruits or vegetables at night only. We are not even allowed to sleep at night. These are punishments that we give ourselves," said Kana Gauda, a dancer. "I am doing this for the last 26 years. All my wishes have been fulfilled because of this. We use