Why Infants Are Being Left in Flowing Rivers in This Madhya Pradesh Village? Unveiling the Tradition Behind

Every year in Betul, Madhya Pradesh, a unique and somewhat strange tradition takes place that captures the attention of many in the region. The villagers of Betul, who strongly adhere to their customs, participate in a ceremony where they put their babies in cradles and let them float in the Purna River at the Purna Mai temple. Despite making some onlookers uneasy, around 1000 children are involved in this event annually, as confirmed by the temple priest, Hariram Dadore.

This ceremony holds great significance for childless couples who believe in the traditional practice. It is a ritual where couples without children visit the Purna Mai temple with hopes and wishes. Once their prayers are answered and they become parents, they continue this unique tradition by placing their newborns in cradles and gently releasing them into the flowing stream of the Purna River.

This practice is part of a 15-day fair held on the banks of the Purna River in Bhainsdehi, commencing with Kartik Purnima. Not only people from Madhya Pradesh but also from neighboring Maharashtra participate, submitting their petitions to local priests, seeking the blessing of having a child.

Upon the birth of a child, devotees express their gratitude through prayers, and the local priest, known as Bhagat, places the infants in wooden cradles, allowing them to float in the river for a short period. Astonishingly, this age-old tradition has been followed for many years without any mishaps. Even during Kartik Purnima and the two subsequent days, when an additional 500 children are released into the Purna River, no accidents have been reported to date. Devotees from not only Madhya Pradesh but also from Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh gather to participate in this ceremony. The belief is that Mother Purna Mai has the power to fulfill the wishes of those who take part in this unique tradition.