Cannibalism is practised amongst the Korowai tribe of New Guinea. Do you know: The Korowai do not believe that they practise cannibalism. While the Korowai do not practise cannibalism often, but when it is practised, the person who is killed is killed by a special bone arrow and completely eaten by the tribe. However, the […]
The assembly met and in one voice the proposal of King Dasharatha was agreed to. Happy at the outcome, the King sent Sumantra to call Rama to the assembly hall. He informed him of the decision that had been taken. One of Rama’s great qualities was his absolute obedience to his father’s will. He humbly
The brides settled into their new home and the new lifestyle. For twelve years the period of quiet joy and happiness continued, as Seeta and Rama and the other couples came to know and understand one another well. One day, the prince of Kekaya, Yudhaajit, who was Kaikeyi’s brother, came to Ayodhya. He asked for
The Walking Dead are a reality in the Toraja group of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Do you know: The Torajahave an annual ritual known as the ‘Ceremony of the cleaning corpses’. We already know that the Torajacommunity live with their dead members for months until proper funerary arrangements are made. But going a step further, the
After the wedding celebrations at Mithila, Sage Vishwamitra returned to his ashrama in the Himalayas to resume his meditation. Dasharatha gifted several thousand cows and calves, as was the custom at the time. Then he led the bridal procession back to Ayodhya with his four sons and their wives. The city was decorated to receive
The Sky Burial is an ancient and hidden funerary practice followed by the Buddhists, the Tibetans and the Mongolians. Do you know: In this practice, the body of the deceased has to be cut into pieces. The Sky Burial is considered to be an extreme form of ‘alms giving’ by the Tibetans. Members of family
Common name : Tumbili Scientific name : Chlorocebus pygerythrus Family : Cercopithecidae Native to : Southern and East Africa Interesting fact : The grandmothers and grandchildren share their genes. Conservation status : Least Concern There are five sub-species of vervet monkeys. The monkeys are known for their love of grooming one another for hours; this
Man Down is a tradition drinking game in Russia. Do you know: The Russians are known for their love for vodka and this game tests their capabilities to the limit. As a tradition of sorts, when the Russian men get together they have a drinking custom, where one bottle of vodka is distributed amongst three
Throwing Coins for children is a tradition in Mexico. Do you know: The coins thrown for children are known as ‘Bolo’. As a blessing and wishing them prosperity for their life, adults in Mexico throw money at small children in their baptism. The custom has evolved over the years to include chocolate money, which for
Scientific name : Desmodontinae Family : Phyllostomidae Native to : Mexico, Brazil, Chile and Argentina Interesting fact : Hematophagy refers to the food habit of some animals feeding on blood. Conservation status : Least Concern Vampire bats are bats whose food source is blood; they are of three types. Unlike other bats, vampire bats can
Mexican traditions for a person’s birthday involve fun and entertaining customs. Do you know: Smashing a cake on the birthday boy’s/girl’s face was a tradition that most probably originated in Mexico. Birthdays are celebrated with great pomp in Mexico. At dawn and dusk, Las Mañanitas is sung for the birthday person. His entire family is
Boot Throwing is an actual competition in Finland that has been around for a very long time. Do you know: In this unique competition, the boot couldn’t be just any boot, but a rubber boot. There are many interesting customs and practices in Finland that have been converted into entertaining competitions. Boot Throwing is one
Common name : Arkars, Shapo Scientific name : Ovis orientalis vignei Family : Bovidae Native to : Central Asia Interesting fact : It is found in Ladakh as well. Conservation status : Threatened It is a type of wild sheep. It has reddish-brown long fur that fades during winter. Urial males have large horns, curling
The Germans have another fun custom for bachelors and bachelorettes at 30. Do you know: 30-year-old bachelors and bachelorettes are made to do ridiculous cleaning chores on their birthdays. Bachelors at 30 have the misfortune of having to sweep the stairs of the town hall with ridiculous costumes, such as sumo outfits and unimaginably small
In Germany, 25-years-old unmarried persons are meant to partake in a quirky custom. Do you know: At 25 bachelors in Germany are known as ‘old socks’ and bachelorettes are known as ‘old boxes’. Bachelors in Germany receive garlands of socks draped all over and around their houses for everyone to see. What’s more, as the