Groups of men in India have voluntarily agreed to be trampled by a herd of cows in a bid to secure future prosperity for themselves and their villages.

Video footage captures the hopefuls as they lay down in the street and face a pummeling from a stream of cattle as they pass over their backs. 

The ritual is to mark Ekadashi, an auspicious day after the Hindu festival of Diwali, reports the Daily Mail. 

Each year, men travel to Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, central India, to celebrate the century-old ritual which is said to represent atonement.

Though many participants are seriously injured by the ritual, it is thought their luck will grow as their ailments heal. 

The video shows people gathered in the street to watch the event as the men lie face down in the street.

Hundreds of cows are then released and rush ahead over the men.

The cows are decorated with colours, garlands and henna as part of the celebration.

Cows are considered the most sacred animal in Hinduism and by undergoing the pain the men are said to be offering a sacrifice to the animals.