Chhattisgarh State Chief Bhupesh Baghel got whipped on his hand as part of a traditional religious ritual in India.
The ritual is a part of 'Gauri-Gaura Puja' (Worship of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati), performed on Diwali, which was celebrated across India the day before.
It is believed that taking blows on the hand brings good luck and averts evil.
Though some Indians consider it an act of superstition, the tradition has continued for centuries.
This is not the first time Baghel has participated in this ritual: last year, he visited the village of Jajangiri in the Durg district for the same thing.