In the northeastern Indian state of Meghalaya, a remarkable cultural tradition continues to flourish—one that blends human ingenuity with nature’s resilience. The indigenous Khasi and Jaintia tribes are known for their “living root bridges,” structures grown rather than built. Using the roots of the resilient rubber fig tree (Ficus elastica), villagers slowly coax the roots…
In the heart of Japan, an unusual cultural tradition called the “Naki Sumo” or “Crying Babies Festival” takes place annually at various temples, including the renowned Sensoji Temple in Tokyo. During this event, sumo wrestlers gently hold infants and try to make them cry, often by making silly faces or engaging in lighthearted gestures. While…
innovuscollege.com – The Balinese tooth filing ceremony, known as Metatah, Mepandes, or Mesangih, is a vital Hindu ritual marking the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Typically held between ages 6 and 18—often after a girl’s first menstruation or a boy’s voice change—this ceremony symbolizes spiritual purification and readiness for adult responsibilities, including marriage. It is…
In the town of Tetela del Volcán, Mexico, a 350-year-old Easter celebration captivates locals and visitors alike. Central to this tradition are the “sayones,” participants who don elaborate costumes resembling Roman soldiers, complete with leather masks and towering, caterpillar-like hats crafted from hundreds of colorful tissue paper sheets. These vibrant processions, rooted in a blend…
As a cultural anthropologist with extensive experience studying Southeast Asian traditions, I find the Monkey Buffet Festival in Lopburi, Thailand, to be one of the most fascinating and unique events. Held annually, this festival is a grand feast organized for the local monkey population, particularly the macaques that inhabit the area. The event not only…
innovuscollege.com – Thaipusam is a significant Hindu festival celebrated mainly by the Tamil community in India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Singapore. It is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war, and symbolizes devotion, sacrifice, and purification. One of the most striking aspects of this festival is the piercing ritual, where devotees carry out…
innovuscollege.com – The world is full of cultural practices that may seem unusual or even shocking to outsiders but hold deep meaning for the communities that practice them. One such tradition is the finger-cutting ritual of the Dani Tribe, an indigenous group living in the highlands of Papua, Indonesia. This ancient practice, known as “Ikipalin,”…
innovuscollege.com – Nestled in the remote hills of northern Thailand and Myanmar, the Karen Padaung people—often referred to as the “Long Neck” tribe—are one of the most visually distinctive and culturally rich ethnic groups in Southeast Asia. Known for their striking neck rings, vibrant textiles, and deep-rooted traditions, the Karen Padaung offer travelers a fascinating…
