There's not much more information on this item from the Washington Post Day in Photos gallery, but I thought it was wild. Most religions are careful about handling the dead and make sure any corpses are long gone. Not so here. The official caption says
Hindu devotees parade carrying human remains during a rare religious festival in the remote village of Sona Palasi. India.
"It's a dead man's party. Who could ask for more? Everybody's coming leave your body at the door."
I hope they heed the sign that says "Stop Ahead."
What's that in the road, a head?
What's that dragging, a long behind?
Hindu festival includes dead body parts
What good festival doesn't include dead body parts?
Kinda makes me want to skip the 3-legged race.
There was a HUGE controversy there a couple years ago. Stevie Nicks was slated for a concert, but when she opened with "Stop Dragging My Heart Around" the concertgoers started a riot. :blunt:
I can't identify the parts of the body those are. Unless they are innards...:worried:
You think on their driver's license they have to sign the back for human body remain donation?
:greenface
I'll also pass on the evening organ recital.
I'll also pass on the evening organ recital.
What, with your penchant for organs? :rolleyes:
What, with your penchant for organs? :rolleyes:
Wind instruments are different. ;)
My friend just came back from his dad's funeral in Japan. He brought some of his father's bones back with him. Apparently it's traditional.
:eek:
Here's a news story about it
The "Naramundo Khela" (Skull Game) is a ritual that appears only to take place in the village of Sona Palasi. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, a Hindu deity who is depicted by a snake around his neck, and marks the start of the Bengali New Year on April 15.
As part of the festival, some villagers carrying skulls and daggers danced to rhythmic drum beats with their bodies covered with white ash and spotted with red and green paints as around 2,000 other people watched.
One villager danced with the corpse of a baby.
Villagers say that they have carried out this ritual in previous years.
"Dead bodies are dug up and their heads are severed and then used during the festival," said Debdas Biswas, 58, living in the village which is around 165 km (102 miles) west of Kolkata, the state capital.
Apparently there is a police investigation into the matter.
On the playlist for the dancing:
Don't lose your head -Queen
My friend just came back from his dad's funeral in Japan. He brought some of his father's bones back with him. Apparently it's traditional.
:eek:
That must have been an interesting trip through customs.
That must have been an interesting trip through customs.
apparently they looked a little puzzled at the x-ray machine, but did not inspect his case. He did not declare the remains (some foot bones, apparently)
it seems that saying 'dead body parts' is a bit redundant. Is it really IotD worthy to read about a festival in which there are live body parts?
it seems that saying 'dead body parts' is a bit redundant. Is it really IotD worthy to read about a festival in which there are live body parts?
It depends on who's body parts and WHICH body parts. ;)
Isnt it just a big game of Mr Potato Head, they get the body parts to the alter and start making different versions, one with sunglasses another with an eye for a nose and all that?
Look at the poor kid on the far right.... he thinks this whole tradition stinks!
konganaka konganaka konganaka ney! tuluku tuluku tuluku tuluku nosku naka ney!
It depends on who's body parts and WHICH body parts. ;)
... and whether they're still attached to their original owner.
I agree seakdivers... That kid's expression sums things up perfectly.
And as skinny as the guy on the right is they'll probably be carrying his parts around soon.