Rajasthan Village Burns Mountain for 300 Years: A Unique Mahashivratri Tradition

• A 300-year-old tradition in Dantiwada village, Pali, Rajasthan, involves setting an entire Aravalli hill ablaze after Mahashivratri.
• Villagers believe this fire protects the village from natural calamities and misfortunes, performing Mahadev's aarti amidst the flames.
• The ancient Dudeshwar Mahadev temple, located at 3000 feet, is central to this unique ritual, where fire is used instead of flowers for worship.
• Initially, fire guided devotees and deterred wild animals; it gradually evolved into a significant religious ritual and a symbol of village identity.
• The event fosters social unity, with hundreds of villagers and people from afar participating in the 'fire aarti' on Mahashivratri.