<p>Spiritual gatherings often bring together people with different traditions, practices and approaches to faith, creating spaces for dialogue, reflection and community. A two-day event planned for September will bring several spiritual leaders and thousands of attendees together, while also focusing on service and community initiatives.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260920/image-1789928758160.png"></figure>

<p>The gathering, titled Aho Gurudev, is scheduled for September 25 and 26 at the Jio World Convention Centre, where Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji, founder of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur, will mark his 60th birth anniversary. According to the organisers, the event will bring together spiritual figures from different traditions, including Pujya Morari Bapu, Pujya Anandmurti Gurumaa of Rishi Chaitanya Ashram, Pujya Swami Swaroopananda of Chinmaya Mission, Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Maharaj of Parmarth Niketan, Brahma Kumari Sister Shivani, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati of Parmarth Niketan and Pujya Bhikkhu Sanghasena of the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre.</p><h2><strong>Thousands expected to attend</strong></h2><p>The organisers expect around 12,000 people to attend each day, with participants travelling from around 23 countries. Senior political leaders, industrialists and people from different professional backgrounds are also expected to attend, according to the organisers. The two-day programme is scheduled to include the announcement of 60 initiatives, with 30 focused on spiritual activities and 30 on service-oriented work.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260921/image-1789929333755.png"></figure><h2><strong>Young devotees to take formal vows</strong></h2><p>One of the events planned for the second day will involve young devotees from different parts of the world taking Atmarpit Diksha, a formal vow of celibacy and commitment to spiritual pursuit and service. The closing programme will feature a musical based on the life of Gurudevshri Rakeshji. According to the organisers, the production has been written and performed by around 600 devotees and will use LED projections as part of its staging.</p><h2>Health initiatives to be launched</h2><p>The organisation also plans to formally launch two health-related initiatives during the programme. The first, Vision Care, is aimed at providing free eye check-ups and spectacles. The second, the Anaemia Mitigation Programme, focuses on diagnosis, awareness and efforts to address anaemia. The mission says its spiritual and service programmes have reached millions of people over the past year. This figure is an organisational claim.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Who is Gurudevshri Rakeshji?</strong></h2><p>According to Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur, Rakeshji was born in Mumbai on September 26, 1966. The organisation says he began meditating for extended periods at the age of four and experienced a three-day meditative state at the age of eight after seeing an image of Shrimad Rajchandraji, the 19th-century Jain philosopher associated with the mission's spiritual tradition. He later completed an M.A. in Philosophy with a gold medal. In 1998, he was awarded a doctorate by the University of Mumbai for research on Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra, a text attributed to Shrimad Rajchandraji. He was also later conferred an honorary Doctor of Divinity by the Claremont School of Theology.</p><p>Rakeshji founded Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur in 1994. The organisation says its work is based on spiritual development and service to others.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>From healthcare to animal welfare</strong></h2><p>The mission's headquarters, Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram in Dharampur, South Gujarat, has developed into a centre for several service activities. According to the organisation, the campus includes a charitable multi-speciality hospital with around 250 beds serving rural communities. An upcoming university, Shrimad Rajchandra Sarvamangal University, is also planned at the site.</p><p>The organisation also runs animal welfare initiatives and says these have provided care to more than five lakh animals. A 150-bed animal hospital is currently under construction, according to the mission.</p><p>A Centre of Excellence for Women opened at the campus in December.</p><h2>A global network</h2><p>The mission says its activities now extend beyond its Dharampur headquarters, with 136 centres across six continents. Its programmes cover areas including healthcare, education, humanitarian assistance, animal welfare and women's development, according to the organisation. The September gathering is also expected to begin a year-long programme of activities. According to the organisers, programmes will continue across cities in India and abroad through September 2027. The two-day event will therefore serve as the opening programme for a longer series of activities centred on spiritual gatherings and service initiatives.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Spiritual gatherings often bring together people with different traditions, practices and approaches to faith, creating spaces for dialogue, reflection and community.

Spiritual gatherings often bring together people with different traditions, practices and approaches to faith, creating spaces for dialogue, reflection and community. A two-day event planned for September will bring several spiritual leaders and thousands of attendees together, while also focusing on service and community initiatives.

<p>Spiritual gatherings often bring together people with different traditions, practices and approaches to faith, creating spaces for dialogue, reflection and community. A two-day event planned for September will bring several spiritual leaders and thousands of attendees together, while also focusing on service and community initiatives.</p>

Spiritual leaders from across traditions to gather in Mumbai this week

Mexico City lawmakers have passed a historic bill banning the killing of bulls in bullfights. With a 61-1 vote, the law prohibits the use of sharp objects, allowing only "bullfighting without violence." The decision has sparked both celebration and outrage, reshaping a centuries-old tradition.

Mexico city bans traditional bullfights for violence-free option

<p>The Lunar New Year 2023 celebrations in Vietnam are gearing up to begin. There will be wonderful celebrations happening all around the nation. However, not many people are aware of the Tet festival's origin, its history, or the manner in which it is observed. Businesses will be closed and activities will be held as part of the celebrations. Tet, also known as Tet Nguyen Dan in Vietnamese, is regarded as the most significant and protracted holiday in Vietnam. To learn more about everything, continue reading.</p>

<h2>The Origin of Tet Holidays 2023&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Different nations have their own way of celebrating the Lunar New Year. Asian countries such as China and South Korea celebrate this holiday too however, the Vietnamese version of the Lunar Year is known as Tet. The origin of the Vietnamese Lunar Year is similar to that of the origins of the Chinese new year with some differences. For instance, in Vietnam, people prepare and eat traditional foods that have their own symbolic value.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Tet dates for 2023&nbsp;</h2>

<p>This year in 2023, Tet will fall on 22 January however many businesses and other places will remain closed in Vietnam for seven days. Therefore, the holiday is from 20 January 20 to 26 January, 2023. The Lunisolar calendar determines the festival's date, which can fall any time between 21 January and 20 February. Although preparations generally start after the western new year, this year's Year of the Tiger transition to the Year of the Cat will officially start on 22 January.</p>

<h2><strong>Tet traditions, how&nbsp;is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebrated?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>There are many ways in which the Vietnamese people welcome the Lunar New Year. The people follow old traditions to celebrate the festivities and bond with the family members on the special occassion. Families will be cleaning and decorating their homes to mark the Lunar New Year in Vietnam. As families prepare a feast to worship the three kitchen guardians and pray for a well-stocked kitchen for the rest of the year, this is often the time of year for family get-togethers.</p>

<p>During the Lunar New Year period, children and coworkers are frequently given red envelopes, or as called as "Li Xi" in Vietnamese. The importance of these red packets is that they are thought to represent vitality, happiness, and luck.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Tet bonus tradition on Vietnamese Lunar Year&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>As part of the celebrations for the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, it is customary to provide a Tet bonus to every employee. This gift may be a wage for a month or perhaps more. Due to the pandemic-related economic crisis, more than 30,000 firms countrywide reported Tet bonuses for the 2021 Lunar New Year, with an average value of US $280, down 5 per cent from the prior year.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Lunar New Year 2023 celebrations in Vietnam are gearing up to begin. There will be wonderful celebrations happening all around the nation. However, not many people are aware of the Tet festival's origin, its history, or the manner in which it is observed.

The Lunar New Year 2023 celebrations in Vietnam are gearing up to begin. There will be wonderful celebrations happening all around the nation. However, not many people are aware of the Tet festival's origin, its history, or the manner in which it is observed. Businesses will be closed and activities will be held as part of the celebrations. Tet, also known as Tet Nguyen Dan in Vietnamese, is regarded as the most significant and protracted holiday in Vietnam. To learn more about everything, continue reading. The Origin of Tet Holidays 2023 Different nations have their own way of celebrating the Lunar New Year. Asian countries such as China and South Korea celebrate this holiday too however, the Vietnamese version of the Lunar Year is known as Tet. The origin of the Vietnamese Lunar Year is similar to that of the origins of the Chinese new year with some differences. For instance, in Vietnam, people prepare and eat traditional foods that have their own symbolic value. Tet dates for 2023 This year in 2023, Tet will fall on 22 January however many businesses and other places will remain closed in Vietnam for seven days. Therefore, the holiday is from 20 January 20 to 26 January, 2023. The Lunisolar calendar determines the festival's date, which can fall any time between 21 January and 20 February. Although preparations generally start after the western new year, this year's Year of the Tiger transition to the Year of the Cat will officially start on 22 January. Tet traditions, how is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebrated? There are many ways in which the Vietnamese people welcome the Lunar New Year. The people follow old traditions to celebrate the festivities and bond with the family members on the special occassion. Families will be cleaning and decorating their homes to mark the Lunar New Year in Vietnam. As families prepare a feast to worship the three kitchen guardians and pray for a well-stocked kitchen for the rest of the year, this is often the time of year for family get-togethers. During the Lunar New Year period, children and coworkers are frequently given red envelopes, or as called as "Li Xi" in Vietnamese. The importance of these red packets is that they are thought to represent vitality, happiness, and luck. Tet bonus tradition on Vietnamese Lunar Year As part of the celebrations for the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, it is customary to provide a Tet bonus to every employee. This gift may be a wage for a month or perhaps more. Due to the pandemic-related economic crisis, more than 30,000 firms countrywide reported Tet bonuses for the 2021 Lunar New Year, with an average value of US $280, down 5 per cent from the prior year.

Tet Holidays 2023: Vietnamese Lunar New Year origin, holiday dates, traditions & everything you need to know

The Russian artists reviving the age old tradition of cotton toys to decorate their new year trees. The tradition is almost 2 centuries old.

Russian artists decorating new year trees traditionally

Art transcends all borders and goes beyond the definition of geographical divides. Here are some 11 noteworthy cultural festivals celebrated in the South Asian region that you must know about:<br />
<br />
&nbsp;
<ul>
	<li><strong>Jaisalmer Desert Festival, India</strong></li>
</ul>
Set against the sand dunes, the festival is a unique showcase of folk culture. Held every year, there are programs for folk singing, puppet shows, acrobats, fire dancing, and others. Home of the camels, you can also take a camel ride, enjoy a game of camel polo, participate in camel decoration and pack some exciting desert memories with you.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/jaisalmer-20160915100616.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>A glimpse of Jaisalmer Desert Festival in India<br />
&nbsp;</p>
</div>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Kala Pola, Sri Lanka</strong></li>
</ul>
Kala Pola is Sri Lanka&rsquo;s open-air art exhibition cum fair which happens every year. Attracting artists from across the country, it serves as a launch pad for talent. A wide array of art forms are displayed for the crowd to cheer and appreciate.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/000_del6189267-20160915100439.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Kala Pola festival in Sri Lanka<br />
&nbsp;</p>
</div>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Annual Bhutan International Festival, Bhutan</strong></li>
</ul>
It&rsquo;s a collaborative effort to encourage different countries to come and engage, while showcasing their culture and art. The festival boasts of some of the best entertainment performances by world known artists. The festival has an intimate setting and welcomes everyone interested.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/bhutan1-20160915103529.jpeg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Bhutanese monks at the Bhutan International festival<br />
&nbsp;</p>
</div>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Rann Utsav, India</strong></li>
</ul>
Rann Utsav is a quarter year-long winter celebration in white sandy desert. You set up your makeshift tents and absorb the local tradition and culture. The region known for it&rsquo;s distinct handicrafts, also offers options for kite flying, camel rides and desert safaris.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/rann1-20160915103938.jpeg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Local artists at Rann Utsav</p>
</div>
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li><strong>World Performing Arts Festival, Pakistan</strong></li>
</ul>
An international cultural event, this festival brings performing artists from all over the world to celebrate music, theatre, concert, dance, puppet shows and others. Serving as a nurturing ground for local talent, it brings to fore the vibrancy of Pakistan&rsquo;s talents and helps people engage in a cultural exchange.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/pakistan-20160915113108.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>World Performing Arts Festival, Pakistan</p>
</div>
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li><strong>Hornbill Festival, India</strong></li>
</ul>
The aboriginal Naga tribes of Nagaland are a sight to watch. Held every year in the month of December, Hornbill festival is a weeklong celebration of music, culture, art, sport and cuisine takes place. You will see some exquisite paintings, wood carvings and sculptures that form an essential part of Nagaland&rsquo;s cultural identity.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/000_del527342-20160915113835.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>A Naga tribesman eats a stump of smouldering firewood during annual Hornbill Festival</p>
</div>
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li><strong>Afghan Arts and Culture Festival, Afghanistan</strong></li>
</ul>
It is one of the largest coming together of artists and music bands in Afghanistan. Opening its doors to fellow countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan United States, the festival started with an aim to show the world Afghanistan&rsquo;s rich culture. Bikers, break dancers, rock bands and other performers come together every year.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/afghan1-20160915012131.jpeg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Local Afghan dancers</p>
</div>
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li><strong>South Ari Atoll, Maldives</strong></li>
</ul>
A festival with a thought, South Ari Atoll is a collaboration between artists from Maldives and Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme. It is a platform for showcasing artworks representing the island&rsquo;s marine diversity with a special emphasis on the shark population of Maldives.<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/cqi9uwpumaae2vl.jpg-large-20160916014323.jpeg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>South Ari Atoll in Maldives where the Conservation festival happens</p>
</div>
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li><strong>Pohela Boishakh, Bangladesh</strong></li>
</ul>
The Bengali New Year is celebrated with a lot of fervour all across the state of West Bengal in India and Bangladesh. Called Vasanta Utsav, the festivals starts at Shantiniketan in India and Bangladesh at the same time. The festivity celebrates art and diversity of both the regions. Among songs, dance and fairs, people are seen enjoying themselves around that time of the year.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/crh9vswuaaamwpn.jpg-large-20160916015136.jpeg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>Pohela Boishakh in Bangladesh<br />
&nbsp;</p>
</div>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Kathmandu International Art Festival, Nepal</strong></li>
</ul>
Almost in every three years, Nepal celebrates its artists with an International Art festival. Artists come together to exhibit their works at different venues in the capital city of Kathmandu.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/a8hm7l3ceaac3w9.jpg-large-20160916015737.jpeg" />
<div class="media-description">
<p>A glimpse of Kathmandu International Art Festival, Nepal</p>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<em>(Contributed by: Zeba Khan)</em>

Discover how art and culture in South Asia binds the region together

Art transcends all borders and goes beyond the definition of geographical divides. Here are some 11 noteworthy cultural festivals celebrated in the South Asian region that you must know about: Jaisalmer Desert Festival, India Set against the sand dunes, the festival is a unique showcase of folk culture. Held every year, there are programs for folk singing, puppet shows, acrobats, fire dancing, and others. Home of the camels, you can also take a camel ride, enjoy a game of camel polo, participate in camel decoration and pack some exciting desert memories with you. A glimpse of Jaisalmer Desert Festival in India Kala Pola, Sri Lanka Kala Pola is Sri Lanka’s open-air art exhibition cum fair which happens every year. Attracting artists from across the country, it serves as a launch pad for talent. A wide array of art forms are displayed for the crowd to cheer and appreciate. Kala Pola festival in Sri Lanka Annual Bhutan International Festival, Bhutan It’s a collaborative effort to encourage different countries to come and engage, while showcasing their culture and art. The festival boasts of some of the best entertainment performances by world known artists. The festival has an intimate setting and welcomes everyone interested. Bhutanese monks at the Bhutan International festival Rann Utsav, India Rann Utsav is a quarter year-long winter celebration in white sandy desert. You set up your makeshift tents and absorb the local tradition and culture. The region known for it’s distinct handicrafts, also offers options for kite flying, camel rides and desert safaris. Local artists at Rann Utsav World Performing Arts Festival, Pakistan An international cultural event, this festival brings performing artists from all over the world to celebrate music, theatre, concert, dance, puppet shows and others. Serving as a nurturing ground for local talent, it brings to fore the vibrancy of Pakistan’s talents and helps people engage in a cultural exchange. World Performing Arts Festival, Pakistan Hornbill Festival, India The aboriginal Naga tribes of Nagaland are a sight to watch. Held every year in the month of December, Hornbill festival is a weeklong celebration of music, culture, art, sport and cuisine takes place. You will see some exquisite paintings, wood carvings and sculptures that form an essential part of Nagaland’s cultural identity. A Naga tribesman eats a stump of smouldering firewood during annual Hornbill Festival Afghan Arts and Culture Festival, Afghanistan It is one of the largest coming together of artists and music bands in Afghanistan. Opening its doors to fellow countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan United States, the festival started with an aim to show the world Afghanistan’s rich culture. Bikers, break dancers, rock bands and other performers come together every year. Local Afghan dancers South Ari Atoll, Maldives A festival with a thought, South Ari Atoll is a collaboration between artists from Maldives and Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme. It is a platform for showcasing artworks representing the island’s marine diversity with a special emphasis on the shark population of Maldives. South Ari Atoll in Maldives where the Conservation festival happens Pohela Boishakh, Bangladesh The Bengali New Year is celebrated with a lot of fervour all across the state of West Bengal in India and Bangladesh. Called Vasanta Utsav, the festivals starts at Shantiniketan in India and Bangladesh at the same time. The festivity celebrates art and diversity of both the regions. Among songs, dance and fairs, people are seen enjoying themselves around that time of the year. Pohela Boishakh in Bangladesh Kathmandu International Art Festival, Nepal Almost in every three years, Nepal celebrates its artists with an International Art festival. Artists come together to exhibit their works at different venues in the capital city of Kathmandu. A glimpse of Kathmandu International Art Festival, Nepal (Contributed by: Zeba Khan)

11 cultural festivals in South Asia that you must attend at least once in your lifetime

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 />
&nbsp;
<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.
<div class="media-description">
<div class="media-description">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<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;

<div class="media-description">
<p><img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/nepal%20temple-20160914080853.jpeg" /></p>

<div class="media-description">
<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;
<div class="media-description">
<p><img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/000_mvd872391-20160914081040.jpg" /></p>

<div class="media-description">
<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;

<div class="media-description">
<p><img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/thimithi-20160914080745.jpeg" /></p>

<div class="media-description">
<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.
<div class="media-description">
<p><img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/bhutan-20160914080335.jpg" /></p>

<div class="media-description">
<p>Girls in the northernmost valley of Bhutan where love burglars are found<br />
&nbsp;</p>
</div>
</div>

<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;

<div class="media-description">
<p><img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/nepal%20bride-20160914080456.jpg" /></p>

<div class="media-description">
<p>A young Nepalese bride at the ceremony<br />
&nbsp;</p>
</div>

<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;
<div class="media-description">
<p><img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/tree-20160914080609.jpg" /></p>

<div class="media-description">
<p>A Hindu lady praying to a tree<br />
&nbsp;</p>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<em>(Contributed by: Zeba Khan)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;

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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