Watch this bizarre Indian festival where devotees place deadly scorpions in their MOUTHS

This bizarre festival in India sees devotees playing with deadly scorpions and placing them in their mouths.

The unique ritual is held in the village of Gurmitkal in Karnataka state around the time of Hindu celebration of Naga Panchami, in which devotees worship their Scorpion Goddess, Kondammai during the first week of August.

Footage captured hows men, women, and children catching scorpions with their bare hands and allowing them to crawl on their bodies on August 5.

The scorpions in the area are known to be poisonous, and medical teams are kept on standby in case of accidental stinging or bites by the dangerous arachnids.

No fatalities have ever been reported.