Watch | Himachal man slides across 'valley of death' in rare tradition as CM Sukhu, others watch on: Report

This four-day-long ritual known as Bhunda Mahayagya hosted devotees in a remote village called Dalgaon.

Shimla hosted a once-in-40-years ancient tradition on January 2 that draws deities from all over Spail Valley.

This four-day-long ritual known as Bhunda Mahayagya is believed to bring deities to a remote village called Dalgaon, where trumpets and drums echoed to mark the event, as per a report by Jagran.

Reportedly, one of the most exciting aspects of this tradition is the rope-sliding ritual wherein a 65-year-old man crosses a 1-km-long stretch known as the 'valley of death' on a rope.

This rope is called 'munji' and is made by a 'jedi'—a member of the Beda caste, from grass that grows in remote terrains. While creating the rope, the 'jedi' is allegedly required to abstain from marriage and sexual relations, and observe silence.

Surat Ram, the 65-year-old man who was chosen for the tradition this year, had performed the ritual in 1985 as well. He told IANS that it took him two-and-a-half months to make the sacred rope for this year's ceremony.

To ensure the person crossing the valley has a smooth descent, the rope is soaked in oil. Surat Ram sat on a wooden raft and undertook his journey as around five lakh spectators, including Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, gathered to watch the rare tradition, the publication reported.

However, when Surat was midway in his midair journey, panic gripped everyone for a short period of time as the rope briefly slipped from the hands of those holding it on the opposite side of the hill. However, they soon caught it while Surat maintained his composure.