Fire pits, for commercial fire walking, are much smaller than the original traditional ones. Indian fire walkers isolate themselves during the preparation period, abstaining from meat and sex. They spend the time meditating - worshipping the Goddess. Indian fire walkers during this period wear loose red or yellow clothing made of natural fibres only. The colours of the robes symbolize spiritual cleansing.
Turmeric is smeared on the face as a symbol of prosperity and power over diseases.
Each day, the fire walkers have to rise at early dawn and meditate till late at night without much food or sleep. On the final day, participants bathe in the river or sea and their tongues, cheeks and bodies are pierced with three-pronged skewers by the pundits. The fire walkers then dance blissfully to the fire pit. This aspect of the ten day ritual sometimes encompasses colourful parades through the streets chanting and dancing as they approach the fire pit. During the dance and the actual fire walking, the devotees appear to be in a deep trance.