Gorakhpur (UP), Oct 1 (PTI) In Gorakhpur's Bansgaon, devotion and tradition merged on Wednesday as members of the "Shrinet Kshatriya" clan offered their own blood to Goddess Durga, continuing a ritual believed to be over 300 years old that replaced animal sacrifice.

In the centuries-old practice, men, women, and even children made cuts on their bodies with barbers' razors. The blood was collected on bel leaves and offered at the deity's feet. Married devotees made incisions on nine body parts, including the forehead, chest, arms, hands, and thighs, while unmarried youths cut only their foreheads. Devotees firmly believe that wishes sought during this ritual are always fulfilled.

Hundreds gathered at the temple premises, where chants of "Jai Mata Di" echoed alongside the sounds of conch s

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