Culture

Thousands Gather in Palangan for Annual Hezar Daf Festival
Culture, Global

Thousands Gather in Palangan for Annual Hezar Daf Festival

The Hezar Daf festival (Thousand Daf) occurs annually in the historic village of Palangan, located in Kurdistan province, western Iran. In addition, it's a vibrant celebration of Kurdish culture and tradition and a beautiful way to experience the unique sights and sounds of Palangan. The historic village of Palangan in Kordestan came alive with music and joy on Friday as it hosted the Hezar Daf Festival, attracting around 30,000 visitors from across Iran. This vibrant festival, meaning "one thousand drums" in Persian, echoed with ancient melodies, lifting the spirits of everyone present. Moreover, Palangan is famous for its unique terrace-shape structure and stunning natural beauty. It stands as one of the prominent tourist attractions in the town of Kamyaran. The Hezar Daf (Thousan...
Pakistan’s Biggest Hindu Festival Brings Mountains Alive
Culture, Pakistan

Pakistan’s Biggest Hindu Festival Brings Mountains Alive

Preparations are underway in Balochistan for the annual Hinglaj Yatra festival, a three-day pilgrimage expected to draw over 100,000 Hindu devotees. The Hindu festival is considered the largest celebration in Pakistan. It will see worshippers converge on the Hingol National Park to participate in religious rituals and seek blessings at the sacred Hinglaj Mata temple. Over 100,000 Hindu pilgrims are set to embark on a three-day journey to one of their most sacred sites in Pakistan. This Hindu festival is known as the Hinglaj Yatra. The festival transforms the rugged landscape of Hingol National Park in Balochistan province into a vibrant celebration. Despite being a minority in Pakistan, Hindus make up 4.4 million of the population. The ancient cave temple of Hinglaj Mata attracts pi...
Mazu Festival: A Journey of Devotion Across Cultures
Culture

Mazu Festival: A Journey of Devotion Across Cultures

The Mazu Festival holds a special place in Taiwan’s traditions, paying tribute to Mazu, the esteemed goddess of the sea.  Mazu Festival is held annually on the 23rd day of the lunar third month. It brings together communities from across Taiwan and beyond to celebrate the divine protector of fishermen and seafarers.  In the vibrant city of Taichung, the Mazu International Festival takes center stage, drawing millions of visitors each year. Pilgrims embark on a remarkable journey, following Mazu’s statue for 300 kilometers over nine days, crossing four cities. Along the way, pilgrims carry flags of worship, symbolizing their deep devotion to Mazu. Local temples warmly welcome pilgrims, serving up delicious delicacies and providing free meals to all attendees.  Also ...
Most Gruesome Funeral Rituals Around The World
Culture, Global

Most Gruesome Funeral Rituals Around The World

Death is evident, but the rituals people offer for salvation vary from culture to culture. These funeral rituals are considered sacred among the people but for the outsider, they may seem cringe or brutal. Let's discuss some of the burial rituals. The World is full of surprises. Sometimes they may shock you with the kindest gestures, while sometimes they make you gag by their actions. One such thing is funeral rituals followed by the people of the world. These rituals are sacred for their cultures but you might find them awkward or more precisely brutal. Let's explore them together! Sky Burials of Tibet The Tibetan people think of the human body as a vessel that contains worldly components forever. So after anybody in Tibet dies, they keep the body in their houses for a few d...
Japanese Armpit Rice Balls: A Weird Yet Popular Culinary Trend!
Culture

Japanese Armpit Rice Balls: A Weird Yet Popular Culinary Trend!

Japan's beloved onigiri, the classic rice ball, is taking a bizarre turn. Restaurants are serving up a new version with a unique molding technique – armpits! Social media is abuzz with reports of young women shaping the rice balls using their armpits, with some establishments even claiming the sweat adds a special touch. Japan, known for its unique culinary culture, has introduced a strange twist to one of its oldest snacks, the beloved rice ball, or onigiri. Traditionally shaped by hand and filled with tasty combinations of vegetables and meat, these on-the-go snacks have been a staple for centuries. But now, a new trend has emerged – the use of armpits to shape these rice balls! Yes, you read that right. Young women are now using their armpits instead of their hands to knead and s...