This video shows dozens of men voluntarily being trampled by stampeding cows in an unusual religious ritual believed to bring the participants good luck.

The villagers are seen lying down on the streets of Ujjain, in Madhya, central India, to mark Ekadeshi, an auspicious day after the Hindu festival of Diwali.

Despite the obvious risks, hundreds of men travel to the city to take part in the centuries-old event and organisers claim no one has ever died.

The cows, an animal considered sacred in Hinduism, are decorated in henna and colourful floral headdresses before they are let loose to storm through the city.

Footage of the ritual shows cattle stamping on the men's backs as they run through the narrow streets. Onlookers usher the animals towards the men, making sure that every one is stepped on.

The belief is that the cows can help erase any problems and bring prosperity into their lives.

Unusual ritual: Dozens of men lie on the streets of Ujjain, in Madhya, central India, to be trampled by cows

Dangerous: The cows are released and are seen stampeding through the narrow streets of the city

Prosperity: Bystanders direct the cows so that each man is stood on, in the belief it will bring them luck

Another shot shows children in brightly-coloured dress lining the streets as the cows charge past, highlighting the importance of the event to the community.

Locals claim that no one has ever died during the ritual. And those who are injured believe that as their bodies heal, their luck also improves.

One regular participant, Manoj Kumar, 27, said he is well aware of the dangers but is tempted by the prospects of improved fortunes.

Worth the risk: Onlookers help the men after the stampede. While no one has died there have been injuries

Celebration: Children dressed in colourful clothes line a nearby street, signifying the importance of the ritual

He said: 'I know it can be fatal but cow is our mother and she would not kill anyone so there is no danger at all.

'Sometimes when the mother is angry she punishes us for our mistakes. 'Most of us are unhappy with something or other in our life.