People in the small village believe that smearing the dung on their young sons and daughters help to give them a healthy life free from ailments.

They also say that the 'purity' of the cow dung will bring the children good luck.

The practice is followed a day after Diwali - the biggest Indian celebration, also known as the festival of lights.

In the weeks leading up to Diwali, people in the village collect cow dung and store it in huge piles.

On the day after the celebration, a special prayer is offered to the Hindu Gods, before people start dipping their children, some still on babies, in the pool of dung.

Groups of villagers gather around the heap and wait for their turn to place their children in the excrement.

The practice continues from dusk until dawn until each child in the village has had their turn.

The bizarre ritual has been followed for centuries and locals says their children have benefited because of the dipping.

The cow is considered one of the most sacred animals in Hinduism and they are worshipped as revered creatures.

Many Hindu preachers believe that cow urine and dung have medicinal properties.

Meanwhile cow slaughter and the consumption of beef is banned in certain parts of India.

(dailymail.co.uk)