Time and Tide

Free social media coming to an end?

2026-06-02T13:45:43.633+05:30

Meta is rolling out globally paid subscription plans for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. From anonymous Story viewing and custom chat themes to next-generation AI "thinking modes," the social media giant is majorly shaking up its business model.

But don't panic just yet; the free versions aren't going anywhere, at least for now.

The video below gives a breakdown of what these new 'Plus' and 'Meta One' plans will mean for the users.

Hospital reviews are not like movie reviews

2026-05-21T11:31:08.377+05:30

Seema had a health issue. Since her condition did not improve even after a few days, she thought about consulting a doctor and went ahead and booked an appointment with Dr A at hospital B.

When her friends got to know about her plan to visit the hospital, they dissuaded her from going to that particular place.

"Why do you want to go to a hospital you have never been to?" her friends asked her. "Moreover, hospital B looks good and posh because they fleece their patients."

"Why go there when you have good doctors in hospital C? Go there and meet Dr D. He is really good. They don't unnecessarily prescribe medicines and tests," Seema's friends suggested.

Seema had opted for hospital B, a relatively new one, mainly because it was easier for her to reach.

Earlier, she had always gone to more well-known hospitals, like C which her friends suggested, that were far away; and the commute was difficult due to heavy traffic.

Hospital B is closer to Seema's home, so she thought of giving it a try, even though she hadn't heard great reviews about it.

Her friends' counsel confused her, but she decided to stick to her choice.

On the scheduled day, she went to hospital B and met doctor A.

Everything went off smoothly.

She found the doctor very receptive. He explained to her the underlying medical reasons for her condition, and why she should undergo a couple of blood tests. He came up with a diagnosis and prescribed a few medicines.

She returned home in a cheerful frame of mind. In fact, she felt okay even before taking the medicines!

MORAL OF THE STORY

Never be influenced by others' views about hospitals and doctors.
Take your own decision and stick to it.
Have trust and faith in hospitals and doctors. If you don't have trust, don't go.

A hospital review is not like a movie review, because going to a hospital is not like going for a movie. One is about health and life; the other is about entertainment.

IT'S ALL ABOUT FAITH

An experience with doctors is as much about trust in them as it is about their professional qualifications and skills.

Each person's experience with a hospital or a doctor is unique. Just because you did not like a particular hospital or doctor, it does not mean that will be the experience for everyone else too.

So, do not dissuade or discourage another person from visiting any hospital or meeting any doctor. You might unwittingly end up preventing them from getting their illness cured.

Conversely, if you had a good experience with a hospital or a doctor, be cautious when you make a recommendation. Others shouldn't end up having a bad experience and blaming it on you.

YOUR VIEWS

If someone asks your opinion about a hospital or doctor:

Make it very clear that it is your personal opinion and warn them not to be influenced by your views.
Don't make judgements on medical matters. We are no one to determine if a blood test or an x-ray was required or not. That is the job of a medical professional.

FINALLY

When it comes to health, always look for factual information rather than opinions. Listen to others' views, but take your own decision.
Approach health professionals with an open mind. If you trust and believe in a doctor, treatment becomes that much easier.

Reflections - A to Z Challenge 2026

2026-05-08T11:16:00.000+05:30

This year's A to Z Blogging Challenge was easily the one I enjoyed the most.

Sometime in the second week of March, I came across a mention on the web or social media (I can't quite remember which) of Dhinga Gavar, a festival unique to the city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, which is celebrated around that time. I found it quite strange and funny, and that instantly gave me the theme for this year's challenge.

When I did the "Theme Reveal" post on 13 March, I wasn't actually sure I could pull it off. I was even getting ready to change the topic either before the challenge started or midway through it.

The second half of March was spent in extensive web searches to find various "strange and unusual customs, traditions, and phenomena in India". It was by no means easy finding one for each letter of the alphabet.

The second challenge was finding authentic information about each of them. I was very particular that I would only write those that had been covered by well-known media organisations or had an entry in Wikipedia with credible sources.

I am glad I could find 26 of them; in fact, for a few letters, I even had options. With most of April spent writing the posts, there was little time or energy to visit or read all the posts of other bloggers who had taken part in the challenge or who had dropped by my blog to leave comments. That did make me feel guilty.

The least I could do was read the comments, note down the names so I can return the visit as soon as possible. Fifty-six readers shared their thoughts on at least one of my posts. Plus, there were a few friends who sent messages on WhatsApp.

Every year, through the A to Z Challenge, I meet new bloggers, and this year was no exception. Among the 56 are many of my good old blog pals as well as a few new ones. I was surprised and happy to find comments from a few bloggers whom I had known before but who had dropped off my radar.

There were many anonymous comments too. If it was a login problem that made them comment anonymously, they could have written their names at the end of the comment. I hope they were not from someone I know!

Here is a big thank you to everyone, including the names mentioned below, who read my posts and jotted down their thoughts.

Yamini (who ensured that her comments too conformed to the A to Z pattern. Bravo!), Liz, Tomichan, Andrew, Lisa, Leanne, David, Marietta, Suchita, Josna, Sundar, Ashok, Viyoma, Vallypee, Darla, SG, KP, Rajesh, Jo-Anne, Chris, Katie, Rudraprayaga, Arti, Frewin, Jabblog.

These are bloggers whom I got introduced to via this year's Challenge.

Little Princess, Karen, Ratna, Linda, Paula, Balaka Basu, Tanvi, A Tarkabarka Hölgy, Al Penwasser, Jean, Crackerberries, Anne, Anuradha, Durga, Pandian, Natasha. Sowmya, Srivalli, Melody, Sintra, Lenni, Ronel, Jemima, Fab, CRD, Idea-ist, Sumeet.

I don't have the links to the blogs of Pinkii Bakshi, Nnenna, Erin Penn, and Kristin.

Blogs are about information, ideas, thoughts, and connections.

Keep blogging!

Zanskar: The river of two lives

2026-04-30T10:00:00.008+05:30

Day 26 and last day of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026

Thank you to everyone who dropped by, read my posts, and keyed in comments. Though I haven't replied to them all, I have made a note of them. In the coming days, I shall visit your blogs and catch up on the posts that I have missed. A 'Reflections' post will come up next week.

If you missed some of my earlier posts, you can find the links at the end of this post.

In the high-altitude desert of Ladakh in the northern border of India, is a waterway that defies the conventional definition of a river.

The Zanskar River, the first major tributary of the Indus, is a raging white-water torrent in the summer and a silent, frozen highway in the winter.

This dramatic seasonal shift is just one of the many unusual aspects of a river that has kept the Zanskar valley isolated for centuries.

GRAND CANYON COMPARISON

During the warmer months, the Zanskar is a destination for the world’s daring adventurers. It is home to world-class white-water rafting. The river passes by a landscape so dramatic it is often compared to the Grand Canyon, with soaring walls, rock spires, and a stunning palette of natural colours.

Image courtesy: Neelima Vallangi / BBC

THE 'CHADAR'

The most unusual characteristic of the Zanskar River is its winter metamorphosis. As temperatures plummet to as low as -40°C, a 100-km-long "blanket" of ice known locally as the Chadar is created.

For the inhabitants of "road-less" villages on the river’s fringes, this frozen surface becomes their only escape and lifeline to the outside world. While during the summer road is buried under snow, the river provides an alternative ice passage to reach schools in larger towns like Leh or Kargil.

WALKING ON ICE

Traversing the Chadar is not simple; it is a high-stakes skill. The ice is ever-changing, constantly breaking, toppling, and resettling due to the pressure of fast-flowing water beneath the surface.

Zanskaris have mastered the "art of reading the ice," allowing them to glide across the surface with agility.

AN ERA COMING TO AN END

The unique nature of the Zanskar River is currently under threat from two major forces.

Climate change is causing rising temperatures that prevent the ice from fully forming, sometimes forcing villagers to wade through freezing water instead of walking on solid ice.

Furthermore, a new all-weather road is being blasted into the heart of the canyon. While this will provide much-needed modern connectivity, it will eventually render the legendary Chadar trek obsolete.

As commercialisation and mass tourism also begin to impact the sensitive ecosystem, the centuries-old tradition of the frozen highway may soon live on only as the stuff of legends.

(Information sources: BBC, Outlook Traveller, Wikipedia)

Links to all the posts in the A to Z Blogging Challenge:

Asur	Bhangarh	Channapatna
Dhinga Gavar	Edakkal caves	Floating stones
Ghost lights	Hakki Pikki	Idu Mishmi
Jatinga	Kodinhi	Living root bridges
Malana	Nidhivan	Om Banna Temple
Piplantri	Qila Raipur	Roopkund
Sati handprints	Thimithi	Umngot River
Vettuvan Koil	Whistling village	Xenoglossy
Yana ‘Caves’	Zanskar River

Yana 'caves'

2026-04-29T10:00:00.013+05:30

Day 25 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026

Yana lies within the forests of the Sahyadri mountain range in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka.

While most caves are underground, the "caves" of Yana are actually two massive, needle-sharp black limestone monoliths that tower over the jungle floor.

They are the 390-foot (120-metre) Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and the 300-foot (90-metre) Mohini Shikhara.

They are composed of solid black, crystalline Karst limestone. Geologists attribute their dark colour to the presence of iron, manganese, and silica.

The rock formations.
Image courtesy: The News Minute

According to legend, the demon Bhasmasura obtained a boon from Lord Shiva that allowed him to turn anyone into ashes by placing his hand on their head. When he tried to use this power on Shiva himself, Lord Vishnu intervened by transforming into the seductive dancer, Mohini.

She challenged Bhasmasura to a dance and tricked him into placing his hand on his own head, reducing him to a heap of ashes. Devotees believe the heat from this event was so intense it blackened the limestone formations, and they point to the loose black soil scattered around the area as the actual remains of the demon.

Nearby, the Vibhooti Waterfalls is also named after these "sacred ashes".

Adding to the mystery are the innumerable beehives that cling to the overhanging rocks. Temple authorities and locals believe these wild bees act as guardians of the cave’s sanctity, reportedly attacking only those who disturb the serenity of the site.

(Information sources: Karnataka Tourism, Deccan Herald, The News Minute)

Previous posts in the series:

Asur	Bhangarh	Channapatna
Dhinga Gavar	Edakkal caves	Floating stones
Ghost lights	Hakki Pikki	Idu Mishmi
Jatinga	Kodinhi	Living root bridges
Malana	Nidhivan	Om Banna Temple
Piplantri	Qila Raipur	Roopkund
Sati handprints	Thimithi	Umngot River
Vettuvan Koil	Whistling village	Xenoglossy
Y	Z

Xenoglossy, when past speaks through present

2026-04-28T10:00:00.026+05:30

Day 24 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026

Imagine waking up one day and speaking a language you have never learned.

This rare and startling phenomenon is known as xenoglossy, the ability to speak or write a real language that is entirely unknown to the individual in their ordinary state of consciousness.

While it is often confused with glossolalia (the "speaking in tongues" common in religious practices, which typically consists of meaningless but phonologically structured utterances), xenoglossy involves the use of a natural, identifiable language.

Among the most meticulously documented cases in the history of parapsychology is that of Uttara Huddar, a woman whose life became a living laboratory for the study of consciousness.

EMERGENCE OF SHARADA

Uttara Huddar was born on 14 March 1941, in Nagpur, India, into a Marathi-speaking family. She was a highly educated woman, with a double M.A. degree.

In 1974, at the age of 32, her personality underwent a radical shift. Following a period of intense meditation and breathing exercises, a new personality calling herself Sharada suddenly emerged.

When Sharada took control, Uttara’s normal personality disappeared. Sharada could not speak or understand Marathi, Uttara's native tongue; instead, she spoke fluent Bengali.

Even more striking was Sharada's behaviour. Though Uttara was unmarried, Sharada behaved like a shy, married Bengali woman of the early 19th century. She did not recognise Uttara’s parents or friends and viewed them as strangers.

The personality known as Sharada claimed to have lived in Bengal between 1810 and 1830.

A representative AI image

HISTORICAL TIME CAPSULE

What makes the case of Uttara Huddar so compelling to researchers like Ian Stevenson and Satwant Pasricha is the specific nature of the language used.

Sharada’s Bengali was not the modern version taught in schools during Uttara's time. Instead, it was an archaic form of Bengali that was free of the English loanwords common in the 20th century. Her vocabulary contained a higher percentage of Sanskrit-derived words, consistent with the speech patterns of the early 1800s.

Sharada provided extensive details about a life in Bengal between 1810 and 1830. She named obscure villages, described specific temples like the Hansheshwari Temple at Bansberia, and provided a detailed genealogy of a family named Chattopadhaya.

When researchers travelled to West Bengal to verify these claims, they discovered a real genealogy that matched Sharada’s descriptions almost perfectly, a family tree that Uttara, living hundreds of miles away in Nagpur, could not have realistically accessed.

SEEKING EXPLANATION

The case of Uttara-Sharada presents a real challenge to our understanding of the mind. Researchers have proposed some theories:

The data suggests the possibility that Sharada was a previous incarnation of Uttara, with memories and linguistic skills lying dormant until triggered in adulthood.
Some researchers considered the case as a form of possession, where a discarnate entity (Sharada) temporarily dominated Uttara’s body.
Skeptics often point to cryptomnesia, suggesting the subject may have picked up the language through forgotten childhood exposure. However, in Uttara's case, her "responsive xenoglossy", the ability to carry on complex, spontaneous conversations, far exceeded what could be explained by merely reciting forgotten fragments of speech.

INEXPLICABLE CONNECTIONS

The Sharada phases continued intermittently at least until 1979, lasting anywhere from a single day to several weeks.

While science continues to debate the origins of xenoglossy, the case of Uttara Huddar remains a landmark because of its linguistic depth and verified historical accuracy.

Uttara-Sharada's case shows that everything that one experiences can't be fully, conclusively and scientifically proved. And, secondly, it's quite possible that our inner consciousness might have connections with time, people and places far beyond our immediate and current experiences. Not easy to define or explain.

(Information sources: University of Virgnia, Institute of Noetic Sciences, Encyclopedia.com, The Hindustan Times)

Previous posts in the series:

Asur	Bhangarh	Channapatna
Dhinga Gavar	Edakkal caves	Floating stones
Ghost lights	Hakki Pikki	Idu Mishmi
Jatinga	Kodinhi	Living root bridges
Malana	Nidhivan	Om Banna Temple
Piplantri	Qila Raipur	Roopkund
Sati handprints	Thimithi	Umngot River
Vettuvan Koil	Whistling village	X
Y	Z

Whistling village, where people are known by tunes

2026-04-27T10:00:00.011+05:30

Day 23 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026

In the misty East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, about 60 kilometres from Shillong, in the northeast of India, is a small hamlet that sounds unlike any other place.

While the rest of the world uses spoken words to call out to one another, the residents of Kongthong communicate through a symphony of whistles and melodies. This extraordinary tradition has earned it the nickname "The Whistling Village" or the "Singing Village".

BABIES ARE ASSIGNED TUNES

The most unusual aspect of Kongthong is a centuries-old tradition called Jingrwai Iawbei, which translates to "melody sung in respect of the root ancestress". In this village, every child is assigned a unique musical tune at birth instead of just a spoken name.

A resident of the village.
Image courtesy: Satarupa Paul / BBC

Even before a child is born, the expectant mother prepares a short, unique melody inspired by the sounds of nature, such as bird calls or the rustling of leaves.

Upon birth, the mother hums this tune to her newborn until they recognise it as their own identity.

No two tunes in the village are alike. While residents have "regular" names for official purposes, their musical name is what they use to interact with the community throughout their lives.

Each person actually has two versions of their tune name:

1. A long one, lasting between 14 to 30 seconds (sometimes up to a minute), these elaborate melodies are used to call out to someone across the deep gorges and valleys.

2. A short one, similar to a nickname, this is a shorter extract used at home or when someone is within close earshot.

Villagers believe these tunes also offer protection. Folklore suggests that "bad spirits" in the forest cannot distinguish these human melodies from animal calls, keeping the whistler safe from harm.

A traditional-style homestay for tourists.
Image courtesy: Satarupa Paul / BBC

MOTHER'S LOVE

Kongthong belongs to the Khasi tribe, a matrilineal society where heritage and identity are passed down through the female line. The Jingrwai Iawbei is considered an expression of a mother’s "unbridled love and joy". Interestingly, once a person passes away, their unique tune dies with them and is never repeated for anyone else.

GLOBAL RECOGNITION

This rare cultural heritage has caught the attention of the world. In 2021, Kongthong was India's entry for the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Best Tourism Village contest. The village is also currently aiming for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status to ensure this beautiful tradition survives for future generations.

(Information sources: BBC, Meghalaya Tourism, The Times of India)

Previous posts in the series:

Asur	Bhangarh	Channapatna
Dhinga Gavar	Edakkal caves	Floating stones
Ghost lights	Hakki Pikki	Idu Mishmi
Jatinga	Kodinhi	Living root bridges
Malana	Nidhivan	Om Banna Temple
Piplantri	Qila Raipur	Roopkund
Sati handprints	Thimithi	Umngot River
Vettuvan Koil

Vettuvan Koil, the upside down wonder

2026-04-25T10:00:00.004+05:30

Day 22 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026

In the Thoothukudi district of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu is an example of 8th‑century engineering from the Pandya dynasty that defies conventional architectural logic.

Known as Vettuvan Koil (the "Sculptor’s Temple"), it is often referred to as the "Ellora of South India" or "Mini Kailasa," since it was modelled after the famous Kailasnath Temple in Maharashtra.

What makes this temple unique is that it was constructed from the top down, unlike most structures which are built from the ground up.

There is no foundation here. Instead, the builders chose a vertical hilltop and carved directly into a single granite rock.

They began by carving the kalasam (the urn at the very top) and worked their way downwards to the peak (shikara), the roof, and finally the walls.

A side view of the temple.
Image courtesy: R.K.Lakshmi/Wikipedia

To achieve this, a rectangular portion of the rock, approximately 7.5 metres deep, was excavated to isolate the central core for the temple.

According to archaeologist Vedachalam, the temple was likely built in the middle of the 8th century under the patronage of the early Pandya king Maranjadayan, also known as Parantaka Nedunjadaiyan.

Despite its breathtaking detail, Vettuvan Koil remains unfinished. The upper portion is fully completed, but the lower section was left incomplete.

It is not clear for long the construction went on before it was abandoned for reasons lost to time.

The temple has a number of intricate carvings.
Image courtesy: BBC

Vettuvan Koil is the only known example of a Pandya‑era monolithic temple carved in three dimensions, in situ, from a hillock. Every statue and architectural detail on the tower is part of the original rock; no external sculptures were added later.

Even more fascinating are the specific artistic choices. For instance, while Dakshinamurthy is traditionally depicted playing a veena, Vettuvan Koil uniquely portrays him playing the mridangam, a percussion instrument.

Today, Vettuvan Koil is maintained as a protected monument by the Tamil Nadu Department of Archaeology, ensuring that this "upside‑down" wonder continues to baffle and inspire visitors for generations to come.

(Information sources: BBC, The New Indian Express, Wikipedia)

Previous posts in the series:

Asur	Bhangarh	Channapatna
Dhinga Gavar	Edakkal caves	Floating stones
Ghost lights	Hakki Pikki	Idu Mishmi
Jatinga	Kodinhi	Living root bridges
Malana	Nidhivan	Om Banna Temple
Piplantri	Qila Raipur	Roopkund
Sati handprints	Thimithi	Umngot River

Umngot River: Boats 'float' in air

2026-04-24T10:00:00.021+05:30

Day 21 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026

India is home to hundreds of rivers, big and small. Among them, the Umngot River in the West Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya in northeast India has become famous for its extraordinary transparency.

Its waters are so crystal-clear that the riverbed is entirely visible. When sunlight strikes the surface, boats appear to float in mid-air, as though “flying” rather than resting on water.

Image courtesy: The Seven Sister

BRIDGE BETWEEN NATIONS

Beyond its visual magic, the Umngot serves as a vital trade route between India and Bangladesh. Flowing through the town of Dawki, which lies on the international border, the river even marks an unofficial boundary between the two countries.

The river is also home to the historic Dawki Bridge, a suspension bridge built in 1932 that continues to attract visitors. For the local community though the Umngot is more than a tourist attraction: it is a prime fishing ground and the backbone of an economy sustained by boating, homestays and handicrafts.

WATER TURNS MUDDY

In recent years, the river’s reputation for pristine clarity has suffered. Reports say sections of the water have turned muddy and brown, attributed to construction debris and soil from the Shillong–Tamabil road expansion project being dumped into the river system.

Local leaders and environmentalists have sounded the alarm, warning that such pollution threatens the very image of the “flying boats”. Lawmakers have appealed to both the State and Union governments to take steps to ensure that the dumping of waste is stopped.

There is a precedent for successful public action: in 2021, a proposed 210 MW hydroelectric dam was scrapped following massive protests. This has raised hopes that authorities will intervene once again.

For now, the perception of boats gliding as if suspended in air stays. One only hopes it remains that way.

(Infomation sources: NDTV, Wikipedia)

Previous posts in the series:

Asur	Bhangarh	Channapatna
Dhinga Gavar	Edakkal caves	Floating stones
Ghost lights	Hakki Pikki	Idu Mishmi
Jatinga	Kodinhi	Living root bridges
Malana	Nidhivan	Om Banna Temple
Piplantri	Qila Raipur	Roopkund
Sati handprints	Thimithi

Thimithi, firewalking ritual

2026-04-23T10:00:00.022+05:30

Day 20 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026

Thimithi is a ritual wherein devotees walk barefoot across a pit of blazing coals.

The practice has its roots in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. It commemorates a defining moment in the life of Draupadi, wife of the five Pandava brothers.

After the Pandavas’ victory in the great war against the Kauravas, Draupadi is said to have walked across burning coals to prove her purity and innocence.

The ritual is mostly observed in Tamil Nadu, especially in villages such as Kondal and Manappakkam. Beyond India, the Tamil diaspora in places like Singapore, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Mauritius, South Africa, etc., also practise this.

Thimithi is part of a larger festival that spans several weeks in October–November. The firewalking itself usually takes place a week before Deepavali.

Image courtesy: Outlook Traveller

Devotees prepare themselves through prayer, fasting, and adopting a strictly vegetarian diet, believing that purity of body and spirit is essential to cross the fiery pit unharmed.

Many undertake the ritual to fulfill vows made to the goddess or to seek blessings for prosperity, health, and protection.

While the practice has faced criticism in modern times, particularly regarding safety concerns for children, it continues to thrive as a religious ritual. For those who complete the ritual, the experience is often described as spiritually euphoric.

(Information sources: Outlook Traveller, Native Planet, Wikipedia)

Previous posts in the series:

Asur	Bhangarh	Channapatna
Dhinga Gavar	Edakkal caves	Floating stones
Ghost lights	Hakki Pikki	Idu Mishmi
Jatinga	Kodinhi	Living root bridges
Malana	Nidhivan	Om Banna Temple
Piplantri	Qila Raipur	Roopkund
Sati handprints

Sati handprints

2026-04-22T10:00:00.007+05:30

Day 19 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026

Perched atop a 410-foot cliff in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, stands the Mehrangarh Fort, a masterpiece of Rajput architecture known for its indomitable strength. It was named the ‘Best Fortress in Asia’ by Time magazine in 2007.

But within that royal grandeur lies a small, poignant detail: a set of tiny, gilded handprints.

These handprints, impressed into the wall to the left of the Loha Pol (Iron Gate), are known as Sati marks.

They serve as a sombre memorial to the royal consorts who committed Sati, a traditional practice of self-immolation on their husband’s funeral pyre.

These prints were made by the widows as they left the fort for the last time. Before departing, the women would be dressed in their wedding finery, signifying a final act of union.

Image courtesy: Amaury Laporte/Atlas Obscura

While the British outlawed Sati in 1829, the regulation did not initially apply to the Rajput state of Jodhpur. As the state was autonomous, its rulers could continue their traditions without British interference.

Historical records indicate that these marks most likely date back to the death of Maharaja Man Singh in 1843.

In those days, the act was viewed as a supreme testament to a wife’s devotion and religious faith. The marks also memorialised the high status of the men for whom these women sacrificed their lives.

(Information sources: Atlast Obscura, University of St Andrews, Incredible India)

Previous posts in the series:

Asur	Bhangarh	Channapatna
Dhinga Gavar	Edakkal caves	Floating stones
Ghost lights	Hakki Pikki	Idu Mishmi
Jatinga	Kodinhi	Living root bridges
Malana	Nidhivan	Om Banna Temple
Piplantri	Qila Raipur	Roopkund

Roopkund: The skeleton lake

2026-04-21T10:00:00.007+05:30

Day 18 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026

In the Himalayas, at an altitude of 5,029 metres, lies an extraordinary archaeological puzzle — Roopkund, the lake of skeletons. For comparison, the height of Mount Everest is 8,848 metres.

The lake is in the shadow of Trisul peak in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand.

These skeletons of 600 to 800 people, remain hidden beneath the snow for most of the year. It is only when the ice melts that they emerge, scattered around the shores and beneath the water.

Owing to the harsh weather, some of them are remarkably well-preserved, with flesh, hair, and even wooden artefacts still intact.

HOW OLD ARE THEY

In 1942, a British forest ranger, H K Madhwal, stumbled upon them while patrolling.

Roopkund Lake sits at the bottom of a steep slope
on Trisul, a group of three Himalayan peaks
- Image courtesy: Atish Waghwase/BBC

For decades, scientists believed that one single event had killed a large group of people there. But, a 2019 DNA study of 38 skeletons revealed that the remains were deposited during multiple events spanning nearly 1,000 years.

Research shows that one group of people died between the 7th and 10th centuries. They were probably pilgrims, as the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, an ancient Hindu pilgrimage, still passes near the lake today.

The remains of an estimated 600-800 people
have been found at the site.
Image courtesy: Himadri Sinha Roy/BBC

Studies also found that the skeletons of 14 people were of Mediterranean ancestry, dating to around the year 1800. This remains a mystery, because there is no historical record of Mediterranean travellers in this remote region during that period.

CAMPING BANNED

The skeletons remain at the site, with no attempts made to relocate or bury them. The focus is instead on preservation and scientific genomic and biomolecular analysis in laboratories in India and abroad.

Unfortunately, the area has suffered from the impact of trekkers. Some have tampered with the remains, moved them around, and even taken bones home as souvenirs!

To protect the site from further environmental and archaeological damage, the government has banned camping in the fragile alpine meadows leading to the lake.

(Information sources: BBC, Nature, Outlook Traveller, Wikipedia)

Previous posts in the series:

Asur	Bhangarh	Channapatna
Dhinga Gavar	Edakkal caves	Floating stones
Ghost lights	Hakki Pikki	Idu Mishmi
Jatinga	Kodinhi	Living root bridges
Malana	Nidhivan	Om Banna Temple
Piplantri	Qila Raipur

Qila Raipur Rural Olympics

2026-04-20T10:00:00.030+05:30

Day 17 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026

Every year, in the north Indian state of Punjab, a small village turns into a grand arena of energy, endurance, and spectacle with the Qila Raipur Sports Festival, popularly known as the “Rural Olympics”.

Held in the village of Qila Raipur (also spelt Kila Raipur) in Ludhiana district, the festival traces its origins to the early 1900s. Inspired by the idea of creating a regional version of the ancient Olympic Games, formal competitions began in 1933.

Since then, the event has grown steadily, evolving into a major sporting and cultural gathering that now draws attention from across India and beyond.

The 2026 edition was held from February 17 to 19.

STRENGTH AND SPECTACLE

What's unique is the extraordinary ways in which strength is displayed.

Participants perform feats such as pulling heavy farm vehicles using only their hair; lifting bicycles with their teeth; and demonstrating brute strength through traditional wrist and hand-twisting contests. There are also motorbike.

Image courtesy: All India Radio News

BULLOCK CART RACE

Among all events, the bullock cart race is seen as the soul of the festival.

These races feature specially bred, powerful bullocks competing in high-speed contests.

Following concerns about animal welfare, the Supreme Court of India banned bull racing in 2014. After years of legal debate and reforms, including the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Amendment) Act, the races have made a carefully regulated return.

Today, strict oversight ensures that animals are medically certified as fit and no cruelty is permitted during the events.

FOR ALL AGES AND TALENTS

There are events for elderly participants, like races for men in age groups 65 years, 75 years, and 80 years and above.

At the same time, the festival has also hosted top-level talent. Several renowned Indian hockey players, Olympians, and even members of the armed forces have participated over the years.

CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS

As the sun sets, the sporting arena becomes a cultural stage with Bhangra and Giddha performances, and folk music and singing. For Punjabis, especially those living abroad in countries like Canada, the UK, and the USA, the festival serves as a powerful connection to their roots.

A GROWING MOVEMENT

Originally organised by the Qila Raipur Sports Society, the festival is now supported significantly by the Punjab state government. What began as a village-level event has now inspired a much larger movement. Similar rural sports festivals are held in nearly 7,000 villages across Punjab and even in countries like Australia and the UK.

(Information sources: BBC, The Times of India, The Hindustan Times, The New Indian Express, Wikipedia)

Previous posts in the series:

Asur	Bhangarh	Channapatna dog temple
Dhinga Gavar	Edakkal caves	Floating stones
Ghost lights	Hakki Pikki	Idu Mishmi
Jatinga	Kodinhi	Living root bridges
Malana	Nidhivan	Om Banna Temple
Piplantri

Piplantri: One girl, 111 saplings

2026-04-18T10:00:00.025+05:30

Day 16 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026

This is about a beautiful tradition in the village of Piplantri in the north Indian state of Rajasthan.

It’s simple: every time a baby girl is born, the community comes together to plant 111 saplings. This specific number is chosen because it is considered auspicious in local culture.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

The movement began in 2006, led by the former village head, Shyam Sundar Paliwal. After losing his 17‑year‑old daughter, Kiran, he planted a tree in her memory and decided to turn his personal grief into a programme that would benefit every girl in the village.

Since then, the villagers have planted an incredible number of trees transforming what was once dry, barren land into a lush green oasis. The number of trees planted range from 286,000 to over 350,000.

SECURING THE FUTURE

The practice goes far beyond simply planting trees. To ensure each girl has a bright future, the village takes several important steps.

The villagers and parents contribute money to open a fixed deposit account in a bank for the girl. This sum, roughly Rs 31,000, can be accessed when she turns 18 or 20 to pay for her education or wedding.
Parents must sign an affidavit pledging that they will not marry their daughters off before the legal age of 18 and that they will ensure she receives a proper education.
Families don’t just plant the saplings; they must nurture them as they grow, just as they nurture their daughters.

Image courtesy: BBC

HELPING EARTH, HELPING ECONOMY

This “eco‑feminist” approach has changed the local environment. As the trees grew, groundwater levels rose, bringing more water back to the parched region.

The village also found a clever way to protect their new forest from pests: they planted millions of Aloe vera plants around the trees to act as a natural barrier against termites.

This created a new business for local women, who now run cooperatives to process Aloe vera into juices and gels to sell, providing them with their own income.

A MODEL FOR CHANGE

In Piplantri more girls now attend the local school than boys, and the social status of women has greatly improved.

The village has even set up a training centre to teach others the “Piplantri Model” so that more communities can learn how to protect the environment and empower their daughters at the same time.

What a wonderful example of how a small community can solve problems with a little bit of love, hard work, and, of course, a lot of trees.

(Information sources: BBC, The Times of India, The Hindustan Times, News 18, Earth Day)

Previous posts in the series

Asur	Bhangarh	Channapatna dog temple
Dhinga Gavar	Edakkal caves	Floating stones
Ghost lights	Hakki Pikki	Idu Mishmi
Jatinga	Kodinhi	Living root bridges
Malana	Nidhivan	Om Banna Temple

Om Banna Temple

2026-04-17T10:00:00.009+05:30

Day 15 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026

The Om Banna Temple, also known as the Bullet Baba Temple, is located near Chotila village in the Pali district along National Highway 62 between Jodhpur and Ahmedabad, in the western Indian state of Rajasthan.

This shrine is unusual in that its central deity is a 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet, and it has become a legendary stop for those seeking a safe journey.

WHY MOTORCYCLE

Om Singh Rathore, the son of a local village leader, was affectionately known as Om Banna. On 2 December 1988, while riding his motorcycle, he lost control and struck a tree, dying at the scene.

What followed makes the story of the temple truly mysterious.

Local authorities moved the motorcycle to the nearest police station, but the next morning the bike was gone. It was eventually discovered back at the site of the accident.

Surprised, the police took the bike back, emptied its fuel tank, and secured it with chains and locks. Despite these measures, the legend says, the motorcycle mysteriously returned to the ditch where it had first fallen before dawn the next day.

Image courtesy: NDTV

RITUALS

The primary object of worship, the Royal Enfield Bullet (RNJ 7773), is now housed in a protective glass box. While devotees bring traditional offerings such as flowers, incense, and sweets, it is also common for people to present bottles of alcohol to honour the spirit of Om Banna.

In a unique twist on traditional tilak ceremonies, worshippers apply the sacred mark of tilak to the bike’s headlight and tie red threads to the motorcycle. The tree that Om Banna struck during his fatal accident is also considered part of the shrine; it is heavily ornamented with offerings of bangles and scarves.

Locals and travellers believe that Om Banna’s spirit remains at the site to help distressed travellers. Some even claim to have seen a mysterious figure riding the motorcycle along the highway at night.

Whether viewed as a miracle or a fascinating piece of local folklore, the object of devotion is something unusual: a motorcycle that serves as a “guardian angel” for thousands of travellers every year. It's all about faith!

(Information sources: NDTV, ABC News)

Previous posts in the series

Asur	Bhangarh	Channapatna dog temple
Dhinga Gavar	Edakkal caves	Floating stones
Ghost lights	Hakki Pikki	Idu Mishmi
Jatinga	Kodinhi	Living root bridges
Malana	Nidhivan

Nidhivan, the mystical forest

2026-04-16T10:00:00.032+05:30

Day 14 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026

In the holy town of Vrindavan in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district, is Nidhivan a forest dedicated to Radha and Krishna. There is an aura of mytery associated with this sacred grove.

The short Tulasi or Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) trees of Nidhivan grow in pairs, their trunks entwined as though locked in eternal embrace. Despite the dry land, these trees remain lush and green throughout the year. Curiously, their trunks are hollow, and they all bend towards the ground.

Nidhivan - Image courtesy: Vrindavan

RASLILA BELIEF

It is believed that Radha and Krishna perform the Raslila, the celestial dance, here every night. According to legend, the paired Tulasi trees transform into Gopis (milkmaids who are devotees of Lord Krishna) at dusk, joining the divine dance, only to return to their tree form at dawn.

Within Nidhivan are revered shrines, including the Rang Mahal, said to be the resting place of Radha and Krishna, and the Sri Bansichori Radharani Temple.

SACRED RULE OF NIGHTFALL

No human or animal is permitted to remain inside Nidhivan after sunset. Even monkeys and peacocks that roam the forest during the day leave as evening falls.

Local belief warns that anyone who dares to stay overnight risks blindness, madness, misfortune, or even death. Such is the sanctity of this rule that nearby residents have sealed their windows with bricks to avoid accidentally glimpsing the forest at night.

In 2021, a YouTuber who broke the rule and trespassed into Nidhivan at night to film was arrested and sent to judicial custody, on charges of violating local rules.

BEYOND EXPLANATION

Science hasn't been able to fully and conclusively prove the unusual phenomena there. But for the millions of devotees it's not about any reason or evidence. It's more about emotion, what is felt in their hearts.

(Information sources: The Times of India, The Hindustan Times, News18, Wikipedia)

Previous posts in the series

Asur	Bhangarh	Channapatna dog temple
Dhinga Gavar	Edakkal caves	Floating stones
Ghost lights	Hakki Pikki	Idu Mishmi
Jatinga	Kodinhi	Living root bridges
Malana

Malana: Don't touch the villagers

2026-04-15T10:39:00.000+05:30

Day 13 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026

Malana is a village situated at an altitude of 2,652 metres in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, in northern India.

While the place is geographically part of India, the villagers, numbering around 4,500 follow their own ancient system of governance and justice.

The village is administered by a bicameral parliament, consisting of an upper house called the Jayeshthang and a lower house known as the Kanishthang.

However, the ultimate authority is not human; the village is ruled by its deity, Jamlu Devta. All major administrative decisions are believed to be direct decrees from Jamlu, communicated through a spiritual spokesperson known as the Gur.

Image courtesy: BBC / © Sauriêl Creative |
Samantha Leigh Scholl/Alamy

'NO TOUCHING' RULE

Perhaps the most unique custom is the village's strict taboo on physical contact. To preserve the "purity" of their community, residents prohibit outsiders from touching them, their belongings, or their sacred temples.

Touching a temple or a designated holy place can result in an immediate fine ranging from ₹2,500 to ₹3,500.

When buying items from a local shop, visitors are expected to leave their money on the counter or the ground rather than handing it directly to the shopkeeper.

Villagers have even been known to bathe immediately if they are accidentally touched by an outsider, in order to wash away the perceived misfortune.

MALANA CREAM

Beyond its customs, Malana is renowned for "Malana Cream", a strain of hashish. It is produced using a specific hand-rubbing technique that extracts resin from live cannabis plants. The possession of cannabis is illegal under Indian law.

While all these unusual customs and practices have drawn significant number of tourists, the villagers themselves remain very protective of their culture.

(Information sources: BBC, The Times of India, The Hindustan Times)

Previous posts in the series

Asur	Bhangarh	Channapatna dog temple
Dhinga Gavar	Edakkal caves	Floating stones
Ghost lights	Hakki Pikki	Idu Mishmi
Jatinga	Kodinhi	Living root bridges

Living root bridges

2026-04-14T11:00:00.024+05:30

Day 12 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026

This is indigenous ingenuity at its best. These "living root bridges" are commonly found in the north-eastern Indian state of Meghalaya, specifically within the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. They are locally known as Jingkieng Jri.

Unlike traditional bridges made of dead wood, steel, or concrete, these are biological systems that continue to grow and evolve while in use.

HOW THEY ARE MADE

It takes anywhere from 15 to 30 years for such a bridge to be made and become functional. Villagers take the young, pliable aerial roots of the rubber fig tree (Ficus elastica) and guide them across a river.

To direct the growth, builders often use bamboo or wooden scaffolds, or even hollowed-out areca palm trunks. These trunks not only guide the roots but also protect them and provide nutrients as the palm wood decays.

Through a process called "inosculation", the roots intertwine and fuse together over time, forming a dense, stable frame. Villagers continue to prune and manipulate new roots to strengthen the structure.

A doubledecker living root bridge in
Nongriat, Meghalaya. -- The Guardian/David Talukdar/Alamy

ARE THEY STRONG?

Yes, they are. One of their most remarkable features is that, unlike man-made materials that weaken with age, these bridges grow stronger and self-repair as the trees mature. They are specifically designed to withstand the violent flash floods and storm surges of Meghalaya, which often wash away modern steel or concrete alternatives.

It can typically carry 30 or more people at once. For example, the mature bridge in Riwai, Meghalaya, has been witnessed carrying up to 35 people simultaneously, demonstrating the immense load-bearing capacity of these living fibrous networks.

IN OTHER PLACES

Such bridges are not exclusive to Meghalaya. Similar living root structures have been documented in the state of Nagaland and on the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Java, where they are crafted by the Baduy people. The concept has inspired modern researchers in Europe to explore living architecture using different species to create greener urban environments.

Some notable bridges, such as the famous Double Decker bridge in Nongriat, Meghalaya, are estimated to be at least 200 years old, while others may be even older. The earliest known written record by an outsider was by Henry Yule in 1844.

(Information sources: BBC, United Nations Development Programme, Meghalaya Biodiversity Board, Outlook Traveller)

Previous posts in the series:

Asur	Bhangarh	Channapatna dog temple
Dhinga Gavar	Edakkal caves	Floating stones
Ghost lights	Hakki Pikki	Idu Mishmi
Jatinga	Kodinhi

Kodinhi, India's village of twins

2026-04-13T10:00:00.039+05:30

Day 11 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026

Kodinhi is a village in the Malappuram district of north Kerala, and its claim to global fame lies in the unusually high number of twins born here.

The village has around 2,000 families, and there are more than 400 pairs of twins. The twin birth rate is about 45 per 1,000 births, compared to India’s average of 9 per 1,000.

THE DISCOVERY

How this phenomenon was discovered is interesting. In 2006, in a classroom, two twin sisters noticed that there were several other pairs like them. What started as simple curiosity soon turned into a small survey, which revealed that this was no coincidence.

By 2008, a village-wide effort confirmed the astonishing numbers. This led to the creation of the Twins and Kins Association (TAKA), a unique organisation in India that supports families with twins and multiple births.

Image courtesy: NDTV

THE REASON

Scientists, including teams from Europe, have studied the village and even collected DNA samples in search of answers. Yet, no conclusive corelation has been established as to why this particular place has such a high number of twins.

Some researchers suggest that something in the local water or air may play a role, but no specific element has been identified. Another belief is that the local diet could be a factor. In some parts of the world, foods like yam are thought to increase the chances of twins. However, Kodinhi residents largely follow a typical Kerala diet of rice and coconut, which makes this theory uncertain.

Genetics seems like an obvious explanation, but it does not fully fit. While some families have a history of twins, others do not. Interestingly, women from Kodinhi have been known to give birth to twins even after moving away from the village.

THREE OTHER PLACES

Kodinhi is not alone. Similar patterns have been observed in places such as Igbo-Ora in Nigeria, Cândido Godói in Brazil, and Hung Loc Commune in Vietnam.

Though this unusual phenomenon has brought recognition to the village, reports have suggested that it has also placed financial strain on families. Most residents are engaged in farming and small businesses, and raising twins often results in financial challenges.

(Information sources: BBC, The News Minute, Outlook Traveller, The Times of India, NDTV, Money Control, Wikipedia)

Previous posts in the series

Asur	Bhangarh	Channapatna dog temple
Dhinga Gavar	Edakkal caves	Floating stones
Ghost lights	Hakki Pikki	Idu Mishmi
Jatinga

Jatinga: 'Bermuda Triangle for birds'

2026-04-11T10:00:00.005+05:30

Day 10 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026

In the Dima Hasao district of Assam lies a quiet valley called Jatinga, surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery.

The area has become known as the "Bermuda Triangle for Birds" due to a bizarre phenomenon where nearly 40 species of local and migratory birds, including Kingfishers, Tiger Bitterns, and Emerald Doves, have been falling to their deaths.

This typically occurs on moonless nights, between the months of September and November.

While local legends originally attributed these deaths to demonic spirits or supernatural forces, scientists say the birds are not consciously choosing death. Instead, they become disoriented and confused, which leads to fatal outcomes.

Image courtesy: Kaziranga National Park

Jatinga is situated in a unique valley that experiences dense fog, strong winds, and low cloud cover, all of which interfere with the birds’ navigation systems. The surrounding hills and narrow valley often funnel winds and birds into a confined space, worsening the effect.

These confused birds are attracted to the artificial lights and lanterns of the villages. As they fly towards the light, they often collide with bamboo poles, trees, and buildings, leading to their death.

Apparently, this unique phenomenon has reportedly been observed for several decades, with local tribal communities being aware of it long before it caught wider attention.

Efforts such as reducing artificial lighting, launching awareness campaigns among locals, and interventions by the forest department and conservation groups have helped a lot.

Many birds are now rescued and released. While the problem has not been fully solved, the phenomenon is now far better understood than before.

(Information sources: The Times of India, Assam Government, Curly Tales, Wikipedia)

Previous posts in the series

Asur	Bhangarh	Channapatna dog temple
Dhinga Gavar	Edakkal caves	Floating stones
Ghost lights	Hakki Pikki	Idu Mishmi

Idu Mishmi: Guardians of Dibang Valley

2026-04-10T10:30:00.015+05:30

Day 9 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026

From a community in the south Indian state of Karnataka we now move to one in the remote hills of the northeast state of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Idu Mishmi are one of the main sub-tribes of the larger Mishmi ethnic group. They are of Mongoloid origin and speak a dialect that belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family.

They have distinctive hairstyles and beautifully patterned traditional clothes that set them apart. They are also known for their sober nature and strong sense of aesthetics.

Their society follows a strict patriarchal and patrilineal system.

ANCESTRAL HOMELANDS

The Idu Mishmi primarily inhabit the districts of Dibang Valley, Lower Dibang Valley, and Lohit in Arunachal Pradesh. Across the border, related groups live in Zayu county in Tibet, where they are classified differently by the Chinese authorities.

Their origins go back to migrations from Tibet into India through the Dibang and Lohit valleys. The tribe is divided into around 76 clans, some of which can trace their lineage back nearly 28 generations.

Idu Mishmi Women of Dibang Valley District.
Photo credit: Arunachal Pradesh Indigenous
Wisdom & Cultural Practices

POPULATION

The overall Mishmi population is around 35,000. Within Arunachal Pradesh, their numbers are roughly 30,000. Across the border in China, related groups such as the Deng (including Darang and Geman) are much smaller in number.

LIVELIHOOD

Agriculture is their main livelihood. Weaving is a highly refined skill among women, who make intricate handloom designs. Basketry, practised by men, makes use of bamboo and cane, materials found abundantly in their surroundings.

Over the years, education has opened new doors. Many Idu Mishmi now work in government services or take up contract and supply work.

QUIRKY CUSTOMS

Tiger as brother

Perhaps their most striking belief is their relationship with the tiger. In Idu mythology, humans and tigers share a common mother. In other words, the tiger is considered a brother.

Killing a tiger is therefore seen as an act equivalent to murder, believed to bring misfortune and disease. Interestingly, this belief has helped protect wildlife in the Dibang Valley, without the need for governments to enforce any regulations.

Marriage practices

Traditionally, the Idu Mishmi practised polygamy. Some of their marriage customs may seem unusual today. A man could marry his stepmother (provided she was not his mother’s sister) after his father’s death. It was also acceptable to marry the widow of a deceased brother. These practices were tied to social and economic continuity within the family.

Death rituals

The deceased are buried along with their belongings. So, sometimes there is a need for large burial spaces or “rooms” to accommodate both the person and their possessions. This has often been compared to ancient burial traditions elsewhere in the world.

Birth taboos

Pregnancy is surrounded by strict taboos. Couples must avoid certain actions like imitating animal sounds or killing snakes as these are believed to affect the unborn child.

ROLE OF IGU

The spiritual life of the Idu Mishmi revolves around the Igu, their priest. The Igu commands immense respect in their society. It is believed that they possess a tiger spirit, which enables them to heal, perform rituals, and guide both the living and the dead.

(Information sources: Sanctuary Nature Foundation, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Wikipedia)

Previous posts in the series:

Asur	Bhangarh	Channapatna dog temple
Dhinga Gavar	Edakkal caves	Floating stones
Ghost lights	Hakki Pikki

Hakki Pikki: From forests to global markets

2026-04-09T10:00:00.046+05:30

Day 8 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026

India has a very diverse and vast community of tribespeople. Among them are the Hakki Pikki in the south Indian state of Karnataka. Their story is quite an interesting one; a journey from forest-based livelihoods to global trade networks.

The name “Hakki Pikki” comes from the local Kannada language: hakki meaning bird and pikki meaning to catch. They are traditionally known for bird catching, a skill that once sustained them in forested habitats.

Over time, changing laws and social and environmental pressures have forced them to move away from this occupation.

THEIR ORIGINS

The Hakki Pikki are believed to have roots in northern India, particularly in Gujarat and Rajasthan. They are linked to the legendary Rajput ruler Rana Pratap, suggesting a warrior lineage.

After his death, they are said to have migrated southwards, passing through Andhra Pradesh before eventually settling in Karnataka. Today, they are concentrated mainly in the districts of Davangere, Mysuru, Kolar, Hassan, and Shivamogga.

In the mid-20th century, government rehabilitation drives relocated many families from forest areas to the fringes of towns and cities. According to the 2011 Census, their population in Karnataka stands at just under 12,000, making them a relatively small but distinct community.

A woman at work in their colony
on the outskirts of Bengaluru.
Photo credit: Wenceslaus Mendes/ Frontline

LIVELIHOOD

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Hakki Pikki story is their livelihood.

Drawing on generations of indigenous knowledge, they specialise in herbal medicines, particularly Ayurvedic oils and natural remedies.

What sets them apart, however, is the extent of their outreach. Many of them travel internationally, especially to African and Gulf countries, where they sell these products directly. In April 2023, over 300 Hakki Pikki members were stranded in Sudan during a violent conflict after travelling there for trade.

Despite limited formal education, they have adapted quickly to modern tools. Platforms like WhatsApp help them coordinate across borders, while apps like Shopify enable online sales, making them unlikely but effective global entrepreneurs.

Closer to home, families supplement their income by crafting artificial garlands and decorative items for urban markets.

CHALLENGES

Education remains a key hurdle. While children now attend government schools and aspire to professional careers, language is an issue. Their mother tongue, Vaagribooli — closely related to Gujarati — differs from Kannada, the medium of instruction in schools in Karnataka. There are also social concerns, including alcoholism.

Another challenge is historical stigma. The Hakki Pikki were once classified under the Criminal Tribes Act as a “criminal tribe”, a label imposed during colonial rule. Though the Act itself was repealed in 1952, its shadow lingers, often leading to suspicion and discrimination.

Scholars and activists have argued that the community’s specific needs are often overlooked when they are grouped broadly under Scheduled Tribe categories. There are growing calls for more targeted recognition and welfare measures.

QUIRKY TRAITS

There are some unusual cultural practices among them.

Unlike most Indian communities, it is the groom’s family that bears the wedding expenses and pays dowry to the bride’s family.
Women play a central role in family and social decision-making.
Children are often named after places or professions. Names such as "Japan", "America", "Lawyer", "Coffee", and "Mysore Pak" are not unusual.

ADAPTATION AND RESILIENCE

From bird catching in forests to selling herbal remedies across continents ... their journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and ingenuity.

Unlike many indigenous communities that struggle to adapt, the Hakki Pikki seem to have achieved a balance between preserving their identity and embracing modern realities.

(Information sources: Wikipedia, National Law School of India University, Down To Earth, Frontline)

Previous posts in the series:

Asur	Bhangarh	Channapatna dog temple
Dhinga Gavar	Edakkal caves	Floating stones
Ghost lights

Ghost lights of Gujarat

2026-04-08T10:00:00.011+05:30

Day 6 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena. This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026

The 'ghost lights' have puzzled both locals as well as visitors to the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.

They are locally known as Chir Batti and appear as glowing orbs in the dark, dancing across the marshy wetlands near the India–Pakistan border.

In the local Kutchi-Sindhi language, chir means ghost and batti means light.

Those who have witnessed, describe them as bright balls of fire, sometimes as intense as a mercury lamp.

They also sometimes change colours — between blue, red, and yellow — and can move as fast as an arrow or suddenly come to a complete standstill.

Apparently, they are mostly seen after 8 pm on dark nights, hovering two to ten feet above the ground.

Local folklore is filled with stories of these lights, with some villagers saying they even follow travellers!

Legend warns that following these lights can be dangerous, as they may mislead people into thorny jungles or the treacherous salt flats of the Rann, causing them to lose their way.

Image source: Pinterest

SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATIONS

While legends speak of spirits, modern science offers several explanations for such “atmospheric ghost lights”.

Organic decay and flammable gases: The most widely accepted theory is that these lights are ignes fatui (singular: ignis fatuus; a Latin term meaning “foolish fire”), caused by the oxidation of phosphine (PH₃), diphosphane (P₂H₄), and methane (CH₄).

These gases are produced by organic matter decaying in marshy environments. When phosphine and diphosphane come into contact with oxygen, they can ignite spontaneously, creating ephemeral, flickering fires.

Cold flames: Some researchers propose “cold flames”, which are luminescent, pre-combustion halos that occur when compounds are heated just below their ignition point, producing light with very little heat.

Microlightning: A recent theory suggests that “microlightning” can occur between rising methane bubbles in water due to strong electric fields at the gas–liquid interface, producing luminescence.

Geological strain: Another hypothesis is that the lights are geological in origin, generated by piezoelectricity under tectonic strain in the earth’s crust.

Bioluminescence: In some cases, light from bioluminescent organisms like fireflies or honey fungus —or even light reflecting off the white plumage of barn owls — could be mistaken for ghost lights.

A GLOBAL PHENOMENON

Gujarat is not the only place where these mysterious orbs appear. Similar phenomena have been reported in various parts of the world under different names.

Bengal (India and Bangladesh): Known as Aleya, these lights are seen over marshes and are traditionally believed to be the spirits of fishermen.

Australia: The Min Min Lights are reported in the outback and have been part of Aboriginal lore since before European settlement.

United States: Famous examples include the Marfa Lights in Texas, the Spooklight in Missouri, and the Paulding Light in Michigan.

Norway: The Hessdalen lights are unexplained lights that have appeared in the Hessdalen valley since at least the 1930s.

Japan: Folklore describes many types of ghost lights, such as Hitodama (human souls) and Kitsunebi (fox-fire).

It does not matter whether it is the result of spontaneous chemical reactions or something more mysterious, it sounds truly enigmatic.

--------

Information source: Wikipedia

Previous posts in the series

Asur	Bhangarh	Channapatna dog temple
Dhinga Gavar	Edakkal caves	Floating stones

Floating Stones of Rameswaram

2026-04-07T10:30:00.048+05:30

Day 6 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena.

On the island of Rameswaram in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, there is this curious sight of stones that float on water.

One of the explanations is from the ancient epic, the Ramayana. According to the story, Lord Rama needed to cross the sea to reach Lanka (Sri Lanka) and rescue Sita from Ravana. To do so, his army is believed to have constructed a bridge.

This bridge, often referred to as Rama’s Bridge or Adam’s Bridge, is said to have been built using stones that miraculously floated on water. For many devotees, the stones are remnants of that legendary structure.

These stones are now preserved and displayed at Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple in Rameswaram where they can be seen floating.

SCIENTIFIC VIEW

Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

Science has its own explanations.

Some experts say these stones could be pumice, a type of volcanic rock. Pumice forms when gas-rich lava cools rapidly, trapping air bubbles inside. These air pockets make the rock extremely light, allowing it to float.

Another explanation points to pipe coral, found in the Gulf of Mannar. These corals have a porous structure filled with tiny holes that trap air, giving them buoyancy in water.

Both theories rely on the same principle: low density due to trapped air, which allows the stones to stay afloat.

Whether one chooses to see it from the angle of faith or science, the experience remains the same.

Information sources: The Times of India, News18

Previous posts in the series: Asur, Bhangarh, Channapatna dog temple, Dhinga Gavar, Edakkal caves

This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026

Enigmatic Edakkal 'caves'

2026-04-06T10:30:00.038+05:30

Day 5 of the "virtual (digital) tour" of places known for unusual customs, practices, mysterious phenomena.

Located nearly 1,200 metres above sea level on the Ambukutty Mala in Wayanad, the Edakkal Caves are among India’s most intriguing archaeological sites. Despite their name, these are not caves at all.

A GEOLOGICAL FLUKE

The most peculiar characteristic of Edakkal is its structure. It is actually a natural fissure, a massive crack in the mountain. In the distant past, a gigantic boulder became wedged between two enormous rocks, creating a roof-like shelter.

This explains the name; in Malayalam, Edakkal literally translates to "a stone in between".

AN SP's DISCOVERY

How it was discovered is an interesting story. In 1890, Fred Fawcett, the Superintendent of Police for Malabar, was on a hunting trip when he discovered a Neolithic stone axe. Following local leads up the hillside, he stumbled upon the rock shelter, revealing what is now recognised as one of the oldest prehistoric settlements in South India.

Image courtesy: Wayanad.com

ART GALLERY

Inside the rock shelter are hundreds of petroglyphs — images carved directly into the rock surface. There are some 400 of them. The oldest dates back to 6,000 BCE.

Notably, Edakkal is the only known site in South India where carvings from both the Mesolithic and Neolithic eras coexist.

An interesting feature is the lighting; natural sunlight streams through an opening in the roof, illuminating all the ancient carvings.

LEGENDS AND LINKS

Some of the 400 signs carved into the walls bear a striking resemblance to the Indus Valley Civilization script, hinting at ancient connections across the subcontinent.

Local legend attributes the fissure to Lord Rama, who is said to have pierced the hill with an arrow. This is reflected in the name of the hill, Ambukutty, which means "pierced by an arrow".

Information sources: Wikipedia, Kerala Tourism, Wayanad district website)

Previous posts in the series: Asur, Bhangarh, Channapatna dog temple, Dhinga Gavar

This post is part of the A to Z Challenge and Blogchatter A2Z 2026

Time and Tide

Free social media coming to an end?

Hospital reviews are not like movie reviews

Reflections - A to Z Challenge 2026

Zanskar: The river of two lives

Enter your email ID in the box below to get new posts in your inbox

Yana 'caves'

Enter your email ID in the box below to get new posts in your inbox

Xenoglossy, when past speaks through present

Enter your email ID in the box below to get new posts in your inbox

Whistling village, where people are known by tunes

Enter your email ID in the box below to get new posts in your inbox

Vettuvan Koil, the upside down wonder

Enter your email ID in the box below to get new posts in your inbox

Umngot River: Boats 'float' in air

Enter your email ID in the box below to get new posts in your inbox

Thimithi, firewalking ritual

Enter your email ID in the box below to get new posts in your inbox

Sati handprints

Enter your email ID in the box below to get new posts in your inbox

Roopkund: The skeleton lake

Enter your email ID in the box below to get new posts in your inbox

Qila Raipur Rural Olympics

Enter your email ID in the box below to get new posts in your inbox

Piplantri: One girl, 111 saplings

Enter your email ID in the box below to get new posts in your inbox

Om Banna Temple

Enter your email ID in the box below to get new posts in your inbox

Nidhivan, the mystical forest

Enter your email ID in the box below to get new posts in your inbox

Malana: Don't touch the villagers

Enter your email ID in the box below to get new posts in your inbox

Living root bridges

Enter your email ID in the box below to get new posts in your inbox

Kodinhi, India's village of twins

Enter your email ID in the box below to get new posts in your inbox

Jatinga: 'Bermuda Triangle for birds'

Enter your email ID in the box below to get new posts in your inbox

Idu Mishmi: Guardians of Dibang Valley

Don't miss new posts. Get them in your email inbox

Hakki Pikki: From forests to global markets

Don't miss new posts. Get them in your email inbox

Ghost lights of Gujarat

Don't miss new posts. Get them in your email inbox

Floating Stones of Rameswaram

Don't miss new posts. Get them in your email inbox

Enigmatic Edakkal 'caves'

Don't miss new posts. Get them in your email inbox