Millions of women in India form a 385-mile human chain to protest gender inequality (video)

Millions of women in Kerala, India, came out into the streets and formed a human chain that spanned 385 miles to protest gender inequality

While others were celebrating New year’s day by hanging out with loved ones and friends, the women came out on Tuesday to protest gender inequality.

Suvarna Haridas, who took part in the human chain, told BuzzFeed News:

It was electric! The excitement was palpable, everyone truly felt like they were part of a special moment in the history of our tiny wonderful state.

The protest came amid a controversy surrounding women gaining access to Sabarimala shrine, a prominent Hindu temple. 

Women of “menstruating age” were banned from entering the shrine but India’s top court overturned the ban in September. In spite of the court’s ruling, male protesters have attacked female visitors within the “menstruating age” and prevented them from entering. 

On Tuesday, two women were able to enter the temple for the first time following the successful protest.

Watch video of the protest below.