<p><strong>Muharram 2024:</strong> Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a period of reflection, prayers, mourning and deep spiritual significance. Muharram 2024 began on July 7 this year, and the ten-day period of mourning ends on July 17.</p>

<h2><strong>Muharram 2024: History</strong></h2>

<p>The historical importance of Muharram is rooted in the events of the Battle of Karbala, which took place in 680 AD. After being tortured by the army of Yazid I, this battle saw the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his son.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Muharram 2024: Significance&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>During this month, Muslims engage in various practices to honour Imam Hussain's sacrifice, including fasting on the 10th day, known as Ashura. The period is extremely significant for the Muslim community as it is considered the day of sorrow and remembrance of the death of Hazrat Imam Hussain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/early-humans-began-existing-in-europe-around-13-million-years-ago-this-strait-showed-them-the-way-741602">Early humans began existing in Europe around 1.3 million years ago. This Strait showed them the way</a></p>

<h2><strong>Muharram 2024: Rituals</strong></h2>

<p>The observance of Ashura differs significantly between Shia and Sunni communities. In Shia communities, Ashura is marked by more elaborate rituals which include&nbsp;the&nbsp;Majlis,&nbsp;which&nbsp;are&nbsp;assemblies&nbsp;where&nbsp;the&nbsp;story&nbsp;of&nbsp;Karbala&nbsp;is&nbsp;narrated. In&nbsp;processions&nbsp;called&nbsp;"Azadari,"&nbsp;participants&nbsp;express&nbsp;their&nbsp;grief&nbsp;with&nbsp;poems,&nbsp;chanting,&nbsp;and&nbsp;occasionally&nbsp;even&nbsp;self-flagellation&nbsp;rites.<br />
In Sunni tradition, the day is primarily observed through fasting, prayers and acts of charity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meteor-seen-soaring-over-new-york-sky-people-say-the-ground-was-shaking-741546">The ground shook as a fireball soared over the New York sky: Reports</a></p>

<h2><strong>Muharram 2024: Quotes</strong></h2>

<p>"The martyrdom of Hussain in Karbala is a lesson in courage, faith, and the unwavering pursuit of justice."</p>

<p>"Muharram is a time to honour the sacrifice of those who stood up for truth and justice, even in the face of death."</p>

<p>"Karbala teaches us that the path of righteousness is often difficult, but it is always worth the struggle."</p>

<p>"The sacrifice of Hussain in Karbala is a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of faith and truth."</p>

<p>"Muharram teaches us the value of patience, sacrifice, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Muharram 2024: Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a period of reflection, prayers, mourning and deep spiritual significance. Muharram 2024 began on July 7 this year, and the ten-day period of mourning ends on July 17.

Muharram 2024: Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a period of reflection, prayers, mourning and deep spiritual significance. Muharram 2024 began on July 7 this year, and the ten-day period of mourning ends on July 17. Muharram 2024: History The historical importance of Muharram is rooted in the events of the Battle of Karbala, which took place in 680 AD. After being tortured by the army of Yazid I, this battle saw the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his son. Muharram 2024: Significance During this month, Muslims engage in various practices to honour Imam Hussain's sacrifice, including fasting on the 10th day, known as Ashura. The period is extremely significant for the Muslim community as it is considered the day of sorrow and remembrance of the death of Hazrat Imam Hussain. Also read | Early humans began existing in Europe around 1.3 million years ago. This Strait showed them the way Muharram 2024: Rituals The observance of Ashura differs significantly between Shia and Sunni communities. In Shia communities, Ashura is marked by more elaborate rituals which include the Majlis, which are assemblies where the story of Karbala is narrated. In processions called "Azadari," participants express their grief with poems, chanting, and occasionally even self-flagellation rites. In Sunni tradition, the day is primarily observed through fasting, prayers and acts of charity. Also read |The ground shook as a fireball soared over the New York sky: Reports Muharram 2024: Quotes "The martyrdom of Hussain in Karbala is a lesson in courage, faith, and the unwavering pursuit of justice." "Muharram is a time to honour the sacrifice of those who stood up for truth and justice, even in the face of death." "Karbala teaches us that the path of righteousness is often difficult, but it is always worth the struggle." "The sacrifice of Hussain in Karbala is a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of faith and truth." "Muharram teaches us the value of patience, sacrifice, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity." (With inputs from agencies)

Muharram 2024: Know history, significance, rituals and quotes to share

<p>Two temple boards under the control of the Kerala government, overseeing approximately 2,500 temples across the state, have banned the use of oleander flowers, locally known as arali, in temple offerings. This decision follows the death of a 24-year-old woman who accidentally chewed oleander leaves.</p>

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<p>Surya Surendran, a 24-year-old nurse, passed away on April 30 as a result of accidental oleander poisoning.</p>

<p>Surendran had a new job waiting for her in the UK, and she was supposed to leave on April 28. But on that morning, she ate some leaves from the oleander plant outside her house in Pallipad, Alappuzha. She was using her phone and probably didn't know how dangerous it was to eat those leaves.</p>

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<p>Shortly afterward, she began to feel unwell and vomited several times. Later that day, she collapsed at Kochi airport and passed away a few days later in the hospital. When questioned about her diet, she informed doctors about consuming oleander leaves and flowers. The forensic surgeon who performed her autopsy alerted the police about oleander poisoning.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/marriage-of-spirits-indian-family-seeks-groom-for-daughter-who-died-30-yrs-ago-get-many-calls-of-interest-721733">Also read | ‘Marriage of spirits’: Indian family seeks groom for daughter who died 30 yrs ago; get many calls of interest</a></p>

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<h2><strong>What is oleander?</strong></h2>

<p>Oleander, scientifically known as Nerium oleander or commonly referred to as rosebay, is a plant found across tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions worldwide. This shrub is known for its ability to withstand drought conditions, making it a popular choice for landscaping and ornamental purposes.</p>

<p>In Kerala, it is called arali or kanaveeram, and often planted along highways and beaches to create natural green barriers.</p>

<p>Even though it's recommended in certain Ayurvedic treatments, oleander's poisonous nature has been acknowledged globally.</p>

<p>Hannon D Langford and Paul J Boor wrote, the plant has been “exploited therapeutically and as an instrument of suicide since antiquity.” (‘Oleander toxicity: an examination of human and animal exposures’ published in the journal <em>Toxicology</em> in 1995).</p>

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<p>Additionally, breathing in smoke from burning oleander or swallowing it can make you sick.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-top-court-refuses-to-allow-abortion-for-pregnancy-beyond-27-weeks-says-foetus-has-right-to-live-721716">Also read | India’s top court refuses to allow abortion for pregnancy beyond 27 weeks, says foetus has right to live</a></p>

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<p>This happens because of certain chemicals called cardiac glycosides, like oleandrin, folinerin, and digitoxigenin, which are found in all parts of the plant.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>
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Two temple boards under the control of the Kerala government, overseeing approximately 2,500 temples across the state, have banned the use of oleander flowers, locally known as arali, in temple offerings.

Two temple boards under the control of the Kerala government, overseeing approximately 2,500 temples across the state, have banned the use of oleander flowers, locally known as arali, in temple offerings. This decision follows the death of a 24-year-old woman who accidentally chewed oleander leaves. Surya Surendran, a 24-year-old nurse, passed away on April 30 as a result of accidental oleander poisoning. Surendran had a new job waiting for her in the UK, and she was supposed to leave on April 28. But on that morning, she ate some leaves from the oleander plant outside her house in Pallipad, Alappuzha. She was using her phone and probably didn't know how dangerous it was to eat those leaves. Shortly afterward, she began to feel unwell and vomited several times. Later that day, she collapsed at Kochi airport and passed away a few days later in the hospital. When questioned about her diet, she informed doctors about consuming oleander leaves and flowers. The forensic surgeon who performed her autopsy alerted the police about oleander poisoning. Also read | ‘Marriage of spirits’: Indian family seeks groom for daughter who died 30 yrs ago; get many calls of interest What is oleander? Oleander, scientifically known as Nerium oleander or commonly referred to as rosebay, is a plant found across tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions worldwide. This shrub is known for its ability to withstand drought conditions, making it a popular choice for landscaping and ornamental purposes. In Kerala, it is called arali or kanaveeram, and often planted along highways and beaches to create natural green barriers. Even though it's recommended in certain Ayurvedic treatments, oleander's poisonous nature has been acknowledged globally. Hannon D Langford and Paul J Boor wrote, the plant has been “exploited therapeutically and as an instrument of suicide since antiquity.” (‘Oleander toxicity: an examination of human and animal exposures’ published in the journal Toxicology in 1995). Additionally, breathing in smoke from burning oleander or swallowing it can make you sick. Also read | India’s top court refuses to allow abortion for pregnancy beyond 27 weeks, says foetus has right to live This happens because of certain chemicals called cardiac glycosides, like oleandrin, folinerin, and digitoxigenin, which are found in all parts of the plant. (With inputs from agencies)

Kerala temples ban oleander flowers in daily rituals after 24-year-old woman dies of its poison

<p>Every community has its own unique rituals, many of which to those on the outside might seem bizarre. In a similarly 'bizzare' incident, the mayor of a small Mexican town married an alligator. Yes, you read that right. This astonishing ritual ceremony took place in San Pedro Huamelula. The bride was an Alligator and the groom was Mayor Victor Hugo Sosa. On Thursday (June 29) in the colourful ceremony filled with traditional music, clothes, surrounded by dancing revellers, guests, the indigenous leader sealed the nuptials with a kiss. For safety reasons, and to escape unwanted bites or loss of a minor limb, the bride's mouth had been tied shut reports Reuters.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;What is ‘NewBrew’? A beer made from urine</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-is-newbrew-a-beer-made-from-urine-493346/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The ritual marriage is believed to have originated among the indigenous Chontal and Huave groups of the state of Oaxaca hundreds of years ago, as a prayer pleading for "nature's bounty".</p>

<p>Sosa, the mayor of the tiny fishing community on the sweltering Pacific coast of Oaxaca explained, "We ask nature for enough rain, for enough food, that we have fish in the river."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-claims-alien-things-near-border-with-south-responsible-for-covid-outbreak-493524" hreflang="en">North Korea claims ‘alien things’ near border with South responsible for Covid outbreak</a></strong></p>

<p>The alligator or caiman is dressed in a white wedding dress as well as other vibrant clothing as part of the ancient tradition of San Pedro Huamelula, which now also contains traces of Catholic spirituality.</p>

<p>As trumpets blared and drums beat out a merry tune, the locals carried the alligator bride in their arms around village streets as men fanned it with their hats in the heat.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-courts-increasingly-using-emojis-as-evidence-493351" hreflang="en">Chinese courts increasingly using emojis as evidence</a></strong></p>

<p>The seven-year-old reptile, known as the "little princess," is thought to be a goddess who represents mother earth, and her union with the chief represents the union of people and the divine.</p>

<p>Oaxaca which is in the less developed south of Mexico, is the home of many indigenous communities who have steadfastly preserved their languages and traditions.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Every community has its own unique rituals, many of which to those on the outside might seem bizarre. In a similarly 'bizzare' incident, the mayor of a small Mexican town married an alligator.

Every community has its own unique rituals, many of which to those on the outside might seem bizarre. In a similarly 'bizzare' incident, the mayor of a small Mexican town married an alligator. Yes, you read that right. This astonishing ritual ceremony took place in San Pedro Huamelula. The bride was an Alligator and the groom was Mayor Victor Hugo Sosa. On Thursday (June 29) in the colourful ceremony filled with traditional music, clothes, surrounded by dancing revellers, guests, the indigenous leader sealed the nuptials with a kiss. For safety reasons, and to escape unwanted bites or loss of a minor limb, the bride's mouth had been tied shut reports Reuters. Watch | What is ‘NewBrew’? A beer made from urine The ritual marriage is believed to have originated among the indigenous Chontal and Huave groups of the state of Oaxaca hundreds of years ago, as a prayer pleading for "nature's bounty". Sosa, the mayor of the tiny fishing community on the sweltering Pacific coast of Oaxaca explained, "We ask nature for enough rain, for enough food, that we have fish in the river." Also read | North Korea claims ‘alien things’ near border with South responsible for Covid outbreak The alligator or caiman is dressed in a white wedding dress as well as other vibrant clothing as part of the ancient tradition of San Pedro Huamelula, which now also contains traces of Catholic spirituality. As trumpets blared and drums beat out a merry tune, the locals carried the alligator bride in their arms around village streets as men fanned it with their hats in the heat. Also read | Chinese courts increasingly using emojis as evidence The seven-year-old reptile, known as the "little princess," is thought to be a goddess who represents mother earth, and her union with the chief represents the union of people and the divine. Oaxaca which is in the less developed south of Mexico, is the home of many indigenous communities who have steadfastly preserved their languages and traditions. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'You may kiss the bride': Mexican indigenous leader marries alligator bride in astonishing ceremony

Peruvian shamans met on San Cristobal's hill in Lima to perform a mystical ceremony. In the ceremony they asked for peace and an end to the coronavirus pandemic by 2022.

Shamans in Peru perform rituals in bid to end pandemic in 2022

High atop the Andes, indigenous Bolivians burnt offerings to honour Pachamama, the goddess of the earth and fertility, on Monday (September 21), in advance of the southern hemisphere's spring equinox.

With raised hands and burnt offerings, Bolivians keep traditional equinox ceremony alive

The family of Emilia Montoya, 79, sacrificed four white doves and two roosters, chanted in the African language Yoruba and pounded a wooden staff rhythmically on the floor in a ceremony to protect Montoya from coronavirus

With bird sacrifices and chants, Cuba's Santeria seek protection from coronavirus

<p>A group of ten women who attempted to enter the Sabarimala temple yesterday reportedly decided against it after being acclimatised with the rituals, according to Pathanamthitta District Collector, PB Nooh.</p>

<p><br />
"These women were with a group of pilgrims who were visiting a lot of temples in South India. After reaching here, they came to know that women are not allowed here due to temple rituals. So, they themselves decided to go back," Nooh told ANI.</p>

<p>The ten women were aged between 10-50 and returned from the Pamba base camp which is 6 kilometres downhill from the temple.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, the Kerala government announced that it would not provide special security to any women visiting the temple.</p>

<p>The Sabarimala temple opened for the annual Mandala Pooja on Saturday, witnessing devotees coming in huge numbers. However, there was a consensus amongst the devotees that menstruating women should not be allowed to enter the premises.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Nooh said that all basic necessities such as toilets, water kiosks, and medical emergency centres are in place for the pilgrims.<br />
<br />
"All basic arrangements are in place. We have deployed over 800 medical staff and established 16 medical emergency centres. Around 2,400 toilets and more than 250 water kiosks are ready. We have more than 1,000 sanitation workers deployed to ensure a clean atmosphere," he said.</p>

<p>The shrine was reopened days after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court received petitions seeking review of its order that allowed the entry of women into the shrine. These petitions were passed on to a larger seven-judge bench by a majority ruling of 3:2.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In September last year, the Supreme Court had lifted the traditional ban on the entry of women in their menstrual age (10-50-years-old).</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)</em></p>


A group of ten women who attempted to enter the Sabarimala temple yesterday reportedly decided against it after being acclimatised with the rituals, according to Pathanamthitta District Collector, PB Nooh.

A group of ten women who attempted to enter the Sabarimala temple yesterday reportedly decided against it after being acclimatised with the rituals, according to Pathanamthitta District Collector, PB Nooh. "These women were with a group of pilgrims who were visiting a lot of temples in South India. After reaching here, they came to know that women are not allowed here due to temple rituals. So, they themselves decided to go back," Nooh told ANI. The ten women were aged between 10-50 and returned from the Pamba base camp which is 6 kilometres downhill from the temple. Earlier, the Kerala government announced that it would not provide special security to any women visiting the temple. The Sabarimala temple opened for the annual Mandala Pooja on Saturday, witnessing devotees coming in huge numbers. However, there was a consensus amongst the devotees that menstruating women should not be allowed to enter the premises. Nooh said that all basic necessities such as toilets, water kiosks, and medical emergency centres are in place for the pilgrims. "All basic arrangements are in place. We have deployed over 800 medical staff and established 16 medical emergency centres. Around 2,400 toilets and more than 250 water kiosks are ready. We have more than 1,000 sanitation workers deployed to ensure a clean atmosphere," he said. The shrine was reopened days after a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court received petitions seeking review of its order that allowed the entry of women into the shrine. These petitions were passed on to a larger seven-judge bench by a majority ruling of 3:2. In September last year, the Supreme Court had lifted the traditional ban on the entry of women in their menstrual age (10-50-years-old). (With inputs from ANI)

Many women returned from Sabarimala temple after learning rituals: District collector Nooh

South Asia, rich in culture and tradition, has a unique character of its own. Cohesion of ethnicity in the region, lends it some of the most absurd-sounding customs.<br />
<br />
Here are 8 such bizarre traditions you didn&#39;t know about:<br />
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<ul>
	<li><strong>Baby tossing</strong></li>
</ul>
Newborn babies are dropped from a 50 ft high temple in southern Indian state of Karnataka India to &quot;bring health and prosperity in their lives&quot;.<br />
<br />
Couples who are blessed with a child after taking a vow at the Shri Santeshwar temple take part in this bizarre practice every year, in the first week of December. The infants are caught by onlookers waiting with a blanket.
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<ul>
	<li><strong>Deuki: Sacred slave</strong></li>
</ul>
Deuki is a girl slave in Nepal who is offered to the local Hindu temple to gain religious merit. Historically, the girls served as temple slaves who were engaged by the priests to give sexual services to male worshippers at the temple. The tradition has been formally abolished but continues to be practiced in some villages by those who seek favour from God or sell their girl child to wealthy couples for the same. &nbsp;

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<p><img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/nepal%20temple-20160914080853.jpeg" /></p>

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<p>A Hindu temple in Nepal<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Sky burial&nbsp;</strong></li>
</ul>
Buddhists in Tibet follow a sacred ritual called Jhator or Sky burial.<br />
<br />
As the name goes, dead bodies are taken to open fields at a very high altitude, to be left behind for scavengers. The tradition looks to provide resources to earth, even after death. Sky burials have been made illegal now but it can still be observed with the permission of the family.&nbsp;
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<p><img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/000_mvd872391-20160914081040.jpg" /></p>

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<p>A flock of vultures<br />
&nbsp;</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Fire walking festival&nbsp;</strong></li>
</ul>
Firewalking festival is observed in some countries like India and Sri Lanka where walking on burning embers or stones is considered to ward off evil spirits and is used as a purification ritual. Some tribes in Pakistan also use this as a justification system to prove the innocence of guilty. If the guilty walks over it without any burns, they are deemed innocent otherwise proven of guilt.&nbsp;

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<p><img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/thimithi-20160914080745.jpeg" /></p>

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<p>Thimithi festival in Sri Lanka<br />
&nbsp;</p>
</div>
</div>

<ul>
	<li><b>Isolated labour</b></li>
</ul>
According to some families in Pakistan, women giving birth are considered to be impure and unclean. They are sent off to an isolated building called Bashleni to carry on with labour. Only those women who are menstruating can enter the building as they themselves are considered impure and messy.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&nbsp;
<ul>
	<li><strong>Love burglars&nbsp;</strong></li>
</ul>
Under Bomena,&nbsp;a traditional Bhutanese courtship ritual, boys roam during the night looking for houses where they know that girls, who are eligible for marriage, are sleeping. They then climb up the walls to the girl&rsquo;s bed. The idea is to stay the night, with her approval.<br />
<br />
In Bhutan, however, it&rsquo;s not so easy as young girls usually sleep with the entire family and any protest from her gets the boy thrown out. At present, the custom is seen as backward and laws have been enacted to stop it.
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<p><img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/bhutan-20160914080335.jpg" /></p>

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<p>Girls in the northernmost valley of Bhutan where love burglars are found<br />
&nbsp;</p>
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<ul>
	<li><strong>Polyandry system</strong></li>
</ul>
In some parts of Nepal, a woman is made to marry more than one man simultaneously. Adopted by the Himalayan region, polyandry has been continuing for many years, much to the dislike of younger generation. It&rsquo;s present in two forms: fraternal and non-fraternal. Fraternal polyandry has brothers of a generation share a wife whereas in Non-fraternal type, a group of like-minded men from different households get married to one woman.&nbsp;

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<p><img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/nepal%20bride-20160914080456.jpg" /></p>

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<p>A young Nepalese bride at the ceremony<br />
&nbsp;</p>
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<ul>
	<li><strong>Marry a tree</strong></li>
</ul>
</div>
Some girls in India are considered to be born cursed, according to astrological readings in Hindu tradition. Those born under the period when planets Mars and Saturn are both under the seventh house, are known as &#39;Mangliks&#39;.<br />
<br />
According to belief, she brings early death to her spouse and the curse can be broken only after she gets married to a tree before she ties knot with her fiance. She could also marry a clay urn.&nbsp;
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<p><img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/tree-20160914080609.jpg" /></p>

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<p>A Hindu lady praying to a tree<br />
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<em>(Contributed by: Zeba Khan)</em><br />
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We live in a strange world and it promises to keep us entertained...

South Asia, rich in culture and tradition, has a unique character of its own. Cohesion of ethnicity in the region, lends it some of the most absurd-sounding customs. Here are 8 such bizarre traditions you didn't know about: Baby tossing Newborn babies are dropped from a 50 ft high temple in southern Indian state of Karnataka India to "bring health and prosperity in their lives". Couples who are blessed with a child after taking a vow at the Shri Santeshwar temple take part in this bizarre practice every year, in the first week of December. The infants are caught by onlookers waiting with a blanket. Deuki: Sacred slave Deuki is a girl slave in Nepal who is offered to the local Hindu temple to gain religious merit. Historically, the girls served as temple slaves who were engaged by the priests to give sexual services to male worshippers at the temple. The tradition has been formally abolished but continues to be practiced in some villages by those who seek favour from God or sell their girl child to wealthy couples for the same. A Hindu temple in Nepal Sky burial Buddhists in Tibet follow a sacred ritual called Jhator or Sky burial. As the name goes, dead bodies are taken to open fields at a very high altitude, to be left behind for scavengers. The tradition looks to provide resources to earth, even after death. Sky burials have been made illegal now but it can still be observed with the permission of the family. A flock of vultures Fire walking festival Firewalking festival is observed in some countries like India and Sri Lanka where walking on burning embers or stones is considered to ward off evil spirits and is used as a purification ritual. Some tribes in Pakistan also use this as a justification system to prove the innocence of guilty. If the guilty walks over it without any burns, they are deemed innocent otherwise proven of guilt. Thimithi festival in Sri Lanka Isolated labour According to some families in Pakistan, women giving birth are considered to be impure and unclean. They are sent off to an isolated building called Bashleni to carry on with labour. Only those women who are menstruating can enter the building as they themselves are considered impure and messy. Love burglars Under Bomena, a traditional Bhutanese courtship ritual, boys roam during the night looking for houses where they know that girls, who are eligible for marriage, are sleeping. They then climb up the walls to the girl’s bed. The idea is to stay the night, with her approval. In Bhutan, however, it’s not so easy as young girls usually sleep with the entire family and any protest from her gets the boy thrown out. At present, the custom is seen as backward and laws have been enacted to stop it. Girls in the northernmost valley of Bhutan where love burglars are found Polyandry system In some parts of Nepal, a woman is made to marry more than one man simultaneously. Adopted by the Himalayan region, polyandry has been continuing for many years, much to the dislike of younger generation. It’s present in two forms: fraternal and non-fraternal. Fraternal polyandry has brothers of a generation share a wife whereas in Non-fraternal type, a group of like-minded men from different households get married to one woman. A young Nepalese bride at the ceremony Marry a tree Some girls in India are considered to be born cursed, according to astrological readings in Hindu tradition. Those born under the period when planets Mars and Saturn are both under the seventh house, are known as 'Mangliks'. According to belief, she brings early death to her spouse and the curse can be broken only after she gets married to a tree before she ties knot with her fiance. She could also marry a clay urn. A Hindu lady praying to a tree (Contributed by: Zeba Khan)

8 bizarre customs practised in South Asia

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