article_snippet: In the east of India, holy intermediaries called Kalasis beat devotees with canes.
article_snippet: devotees with canes flinch with the mortal pain, but devotees with canes receive devotees with canes as a blessing.
article_snippet: Bruises, actual and emotional, are worn with pride, whether delivered by the Kalasis cane, Simon Cowell's tongue, or Jeremy Clarkson's fist (allegedly).
article_snippet: delivered by the Kalasis cane, Cowell's tongue, or Clarkson's fist (allegedly) are blessed that are touched by celebrity.