A devotee runs across a 15-meter long burning pit of coals during the Fire-walking Festival – also known as the "Thimithi" – in Durban on Friday. /VCG Photo

People celebrate Draupadi, who is considered to be the incarnation of Hindu Goddess Mariamman. /VCG Photo

Devotees take part in the ritual as an act of purification and also as an ordeal to prove innocence. The Hindu faithfuls believe that only those who lack faith will be burned. /VCG Photo