Thursday, December 16, 2010

Ten Most Unusual Festivals

Festivals are usually a reflection of the culture and traditions of a region. They encompass all the joy and fervour of the people who live there and often are a symbol of their religion and their beliefs.
Here are ten of the most unusual festivals across the world:
1. Holi – the festival of colors in India.
It is normally celebrated in early March, to herald the beginning of spring. There are many stories which explain the origins of this festival, but the main aspect of the festival is playing with colours. People wear their oldest clothes and gather together to throw colour on each other. There is a great deal of merriment and laughter and it is believed to be an occasion when old enmities are forgotten and a spirit of brotherhood prevails all around.
2. Monkey Buffet Festival in Lopburi, Thailand:
This festival has brought this small region in Thailand on the tourist circuit. In honour of the Hindu monkey God – Hanuman, the residents spread out a feast for the monkeys which live in their area. Over 600 monkeys descend to devour the vast array of fruits and vegetables, and what follows can only be termed as complete mayhem.
3. Hadaka Masturi at Inazawa in Japan:
Popularly known as the Naked Men festival, this is normally held in the cold month of January. Thousands of men clad only in loincloths and sandals wash themselves in freezing cold waters, in the hope of purifying themselves. The festival is a fun occasion, and holds significant spiritual undertones.
4. La Tomatina – at Valencia in Spain:
38 kms outside Valencia in a small town known as Bunol, an annual tomato festival is celebrated and is the delight of young and old alike. Can you think of anything which can be more fun than throwing overripe tomatoes in a crowded street? Complete with water cannons and greasy poles, a great time is had by all those taking part.
5. Cheese Rolling Festival – Cooper’s Hill in England:
At noon on the Spring Bank Holiday Monday, a round of double Gloucester cheese is rolled down the hill at Cooper’s Hill in Gloucester. The fun begins when people try to chase the cheese and as is to be expected – stumble and fall. The terrain is uneven and the competition tough. Due to many injuries and huge crowds, the festival has not been held this year, but the residents hope to revive it sometime soon.
6. Baby Jumping Festival – Castrillo De Murcia in Spain
This festival has been prevalent in this village in Spain, where babies are laid down on a mattress and men dressed in devil’s costumes are made to jump over the babies. The locals believe that this will ensure good luck and good health for the babies.
7. Crying Baby Festival – Konaki Suma in Japan:
At Konaki Sumo sumo wrestlers hold babies in their arms facing each other. The baby who begins to cry first is considered to be truly blessed and specially honoured.
8. Boryeong Mud Festival – at Boryeong City in South Korea:
Mud wrestling, mud sliding, mud bathing, and above all a mud king contest are all part of this unusual festival in South Korea. The festival goers apply the mud all over themselves since they believe that the mud of this region has curative powers.
9. Kannamara Masturi Festival in Kawasaki Japan:
This annual fertility festival sees the display of the male genitalia in various shapes and sizes and parades where it is venerated and displayed. Nowhere else in the world is there a festival which celebrates the male genitalia in such a freewheeling manner.
10. Las Fallas – Valencia Fire Festival:
A festival of fire and fireworks, on this day you can see fireworks and a lot of smoke and a cacophony of sound. Combustible statues in all hues and forms are built and destroyed amidst merriment and noise.
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Top 10 Traditions Everybody Follows At The End Of The Year


People always have plans for new years and different people around the world celebrate it differently. The following are common and are carried out by those who wish to greet the New Year with a lot of noise and celebration!
1. Lavish Parties
Planning for parties for 31st December starts roughly around the end of October. People make sure that every detail is in place and that their guests have nothing to complain about when the clock strikes twelve!
2. Prayers
Those who believe in God or follow a particular religion like to send a little prayer in God’s direction as soon as 1st January of the new year rolls around. Many families like to come together and carry out these ceremonies with the help of soft music and dozens of candles.
3. Resolutions
We all make new year resolutions. It is always good to make a fresh start and leave all our old problems and worries behind. There is no better time to do this than 31st December when the year is ending and a new one is starting. Even though most of us forget all about them by about 7th January, it is fun to believe that we will stick to them at the time!
4. First Footing
This tradition is followed by Europeans all over the world. They believe that the first person that enters their house when the clock strikes twelve should not only have dark hair but should also be male. He should come bearing gifts which should be symbolic of good luck or good health.
5. Keep Smiling
Many people believe that if they enter the new year laughing or smiling, they will spend the rest of the year the same way. Therefore, even if they are not particularly happy when the clock starts chiming, they start laughing just to keep up with the tradition.
6. The Times Square Ball
A crystal time ball is dropped in Times Square in New York at the end of the year. It descends for a whole minute and stops revolving at 12:00 am. Those who cannot be at Times Square at the time, making it a point to switch on the television no matter how busy or drunk they are at that moment.


7. Fireworks
Even though it is not legal in some parts of the world, people make it a point to organize a fireworks display. The night sky literally explodes and one can see colorful sparkles for several minutes after. This tradition is very popular in London where it takes place across the River Thames.
8. Parade
A parade is organized for New Year’s Eve and it is always an extravagant affair. Several events take place and the performances are always spectacular. Color seems to seep out of every nook and cranny and people in London believe that there is no better way to greet the New Year
9. Drinks
It is customary to have a drink or two on New Year’s eve. A toast is raised as soon as the clock strikes twelve which is when people wish each other and go back to what they were doing.
10. First Baby
Most people watch the news on the first day of the year to find out which woman that year is lucky enough to have given birth to the “new year baby”. In some countries, they parade the child all over town while in others they make it wear a sash.
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Top 10 Products That Were Recently Banned


These products were banned over the last decade because they were either considered to dangerous or unnecessary.
1. Trans Fats
Most food companies add Trans fat to their products because they stay fresh for a longer period of time. However, the body finds it difficult to break it down and starts suffering from heart disease or high cholesterol problems. Denmark and Switzerland banned certain products that were laced with over two percent of Trans fat.
2. Baby Walkers
Canada banned baby walkers in 2004 because according to statistics, over 1,900 babies were injured while using it. The Ministry determined that this happened because infants do not have the required abilities to use the product safely. Parents in Canada need not worry because studies reveal that baby walkers do not help babies walk faster.
3. Incandescent Light Bulbs
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs last much longer than Incandescent Bulbs and use only 25% of the available energy which is why the latter has been phased out by countries like Australia and Cuba. California plans to ban them within the next 8 years.


4. Chewing Gum
Singapore banned chewing hum in 1992 and the bill was revised about 6 years back. People are not allowed to stick their gum under chairs, on the floor or under tables. When somebody stuck it on the doors of the metro, it became necessary to ban it. Those who travel to Singapore are not allowed to carry gum and the Government constantly tells the public about how gum is hazardous to health.
5. Use of Cigarettes on Television and Movies
India banned smoking in movies and on television in 2005 as it was felt that children tend to take up the habit after seeing their favorite actors indulging in it. According to the ban, the actor’s hand is supposed to get blurred out if the scene demands that he should smoke.
6. Plastic Bags
People use about a trillion plastic bags through the year and we all know how harmful plastic is for the environment. Bangladesh banned the use of plastic bags in 2002 after the found that the floods of 1988 and 1998 occurred because the drains got blocked with such bags. The ban was introduced in Africa, United Kingdom and Australia soon after.


7. Extremely Skinny Models
Even though this is not a product; it definitely deserves a mention in this list. Hiring extremely skinny models for advertisements was banned after the model, Luisel Ramos died in 2006. She had a cardiac arrest after which doctors realized that she had been surviving on diet coke and leaves for over 90 days. The Italian Government then declared that the body mass index of all models should not go below 18.
8. Circus Animals
After it was revealed that circus animals were living in miserable conditions and were made to starve just so that they would perform better on the final day; the Bolivian Senate banned the circus in 2009. Denmark, Austria, Finland and Costa Rica introduced similar bans many years back.
9. Cigarettes
Ireland prohibited smoking indoors in 2004 while Bhutan banned the sale of cigarettes in 2008. Those who go against the ban in Bhutan have to pay a fine of about 232 dollars. However, the sad part is that tobacco products are still being traded illegally in this mountainous kingdom.
10. Products used for Spanking Children
Sweden declared in 1979 that parents could not spank their children using certain products or otherwise, after which over 24 countries followed suit. Studies show that after the ban was introduced, child abuse rates were reduced considerably.
Popularity: 3% [?]

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Top 10 Most Expensive Gift Ideas


Those who survive on tight budgets are always going through their cupboards to see what they can get rid of. Similarly, those who live in the lap of luxury do not know what to do with the money and so they benefit from the following gifting ideas.
1. Wristwatch by Chopard
This wristwatch is about 25 million dollars and is decorated with an array of diamonds and while some are pink, others are white and heart-shaped. Because naturally, when we look at our watches, we want to stroke the diamonds and not just find out what the time is.   


2. Blue Diamond Ring by Chopard
The Blue Diamond Ring will cost you a mere 16.26 million dollars. The gorgeous diamond is oval-shaped and the band is made of white gold which is also shockingly, scattered with diamonds. If the price makes sense to you, you should call your psychiatrist and fix up an appointment with him.
3. iPhone 3G Kings Button by Peter Aloisson
This mobile phone is priced at 2.4 million dollars which makes it the most expensive of its kind. The surface of the phone is adorned with gold and diamonds whereas the lining is made of gold and is laced with diamonds as well. This not-so-practical phone will weigh you down if you have plans of walking around with it.
4. The Veyron from Bugatti
This car is for 1.25 million dollars and apart from being stunning to look at, it is also among the fastest in the world. It can reach a speed of about 60 mph in less than 3 seconds and about 252 mph in less than a minute.
5. Mukhesh Ambani’s House
If you have about 2 billion dollars just lying about, you can approach this business tycoon and make an offer for his gigantic mansion. It is over 550 feet high and the garage has enough space for the family’s 168 cars.
6. Shipwrecked 1907 Heidsieck
These bottles of Champagne traveled aimlessly for about 80 years after which they reached their destination. The bottles are priced at 275,000 dollars and are a favorite amongst the guests of the Ritz-Carlton in Moscow. So basically, you are drinking away all that cash- how fulfilling!
7. Imperial Majesty by Clive Christian
The Guinness book of records calls this perfume the most expensive in the world as it costs about 215,000 dollars per piece. The neck is dipped in gold and has a diamond attached to it. If you can afford this perfume, you will smell like nobody else in town because honestly, no one else will be foolish enough to purchase it.
8. The Jubilee Bear
This teddy bear is for 71,500 dollars and was created by Steiff. The fur is stiff because it is made of gold and its eyes are quite startling as they are made of diamonds and sapphires. You can’t exactly hug it, but it is great to look at which is exactly what teddy bears are for, right?


9. Computer Mouse by Pat Says Now
This computer mouse costs about 24,180 dollars and is adorned with over 55 diamonds and white gold. The design is beautiful and the features are as extraordinary. It is available in two designs but happy buyers say that the Scattered Diamond is prettier.
10. The Fantasy Bra by Victoria’s Secret
The design of these bras is considered to be as beautiful and dazzling as an Angel’s wings. It is scattered with about 2,900 diamonds set in gold which collectively weigh about 110 carats.
Popularity: 2% [?]

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Top 10 Cuisines of the World – Popularity Wise


The immense number of cuisines which could be a part of this list is evidence of the fact that the world is getting smaller day by day. As more and more people move from their countries to a foreign country they carry their cuisines and recipes with them, and they introduce their friends and neighbours to new dishes and a new style of cooking.
Here are some of the world’s most popular cuisines:
1. Chinese:
There is probably a Chinese restaurant in every part of the world, and every country has adapted this cuisine to suit their particular taste buds. Chinese noodles and fried rice have become a part of the weekly menus in many homes, and they are America’s most popular take home items. The true Chinese food fans have even learnt how to eat with chopsticks to get the true Chinese experience. Easy to cook and fairly economical, it is believed that one third of the world eats Chinese food every day.
2. Italian:
Pizzas and pasta have contributed to make this one of the world’s most popular cuisines. Today it has moved much beyond the simple pizza to specialised Italian restaurants which serve finest Italian entree’s and their fabulous desserts. With over 400 types of cheese, they have introduced the world to the amazing versatility of cheese as a primary food ingredient.
3. Indian:
The ever popular chicken curry and chicken tikka masala are among the world’s most popular dishes. Indian cuisine is of many types, but most people in the world associate it with just curry and biryani and naan, which are basically recipes from the northern regions of India. However with the growing number of Indian restaurants everywhere, people are beginning to sample other forms of Indian food such as dosas from the south, pohe from the west and maach from the east.
4. French:
French cuisine has always been considered to be among the best in the world, but it has not achieved the popularity of the Chinese and Italian cuisines. However their restaurants are among the finest in the world and they have influenced many cuisines all over the world. Wine is an essential part of all their meals and they set the standard for stylish cooking and serving.
5. Thai:
Many people tend to equate Thai food with Chinese food, but there is a world of difference between the two. The Thai green and red curries are very popular and their balanced fusion of hot, sour and sweet ingredients makes for great combinations. True Thai food is made with fresh herbs and rice is one their main staples.
6. Spanish:
A sangria accompanying the delicious variety of Spanish food is one of the joys of this world. Spanish cooking is mainly done with olive oil, and the diverse assortment of seafood available, and the range of Tapas offered as an appetizer have all contributed towards the popularity of this cuisine.
7. Japanese:
Lightly cooked, with a minimal number of spices and ingredients, Japanese cooking is rapidly becoming all the rage. Judging from its popularity their signature dish seems to be sushi, but there are many other dishes which have become part of folklore.
8. American:
There is really no benchmark for American cuisine, but with the popularity of burgers and fried chicken and apple pies, American cuisine has also become very popular the world over. Most of these have achieved their fame due to the advent of fast food chains which have traversed across the nations. You may not feel it is the world’s best food, but it certainly is among the most sought after.
9. Mexican:
A combination of Spanish food and ancient Mexican traditions, food from Mexico has an abundance of flavours and spices. Guacamole and Tacos, Enchiladas and Tortillas have become popular standard fare at Mexican restaurants. Mexican food has a taste all of its own and many consider it to be among the best in the world.
10. Lebanese:
Among Middle Eastern cuisines, Lebanese cuisine is considered to be the most popular.  Full of distinctive flavours and spices, with delectable combinations of vegetables and spices, Lebanese cuisine blends Mediterranean influences with Middle Eastern traditions. Ranging from appetizers such as mezze to dishes such as the Shawarma and sweets such as Baklawa, you are sure to find something you will like.
Popularity: 3% [?]

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Most Famous National Costumes in the World


What is a national Costume?
It is normally a dress which we associate with a country and its residents. It is something that they may wear everyday or only on formal occasions, but it is part of their unique identity and is usually symbolic of their culture. Most national costumes have been a part of the heritage of that nation and have been handed down from generation to generation, and are based on the kinds of fabrics available and are suited to the climate of that country.
1. Saree – India:
This is one of the most recognised costumes in the world. The prevalence of sarees as a daily wear is decreasing among the young and the affluent, as they are opting for western wear such as skirts and trousers. However in the smaller urban areas and in villages these are still the preferred outfit. In various parts of India sarees are worn in different manners and styles and the fabrics can range from cotton to silk and synthetic fabrics.
2. Kimono – Japan:
Kimono is a traditional outfit worn by men, women and children in Japan. These are traditionally made with a single bolt of fabric called the tan. Often these are hand-made and had-decorated and the materials commonly used are silk crepes, satin weaves, silk and silk brocade. It is a long, heavily patterned robe, which is held together at the waistline by a broad fabric belt known as the obi.
3. Sweden:
The Swedish national costume is very unique. It consists of a white winged hat, a long skirt with a traditional apron, a white long-sleeved blouse which is covered with a beautifully embroidered vest. Introduced in 1778 it was originally meant for the nobility of the country. Even today for formal occasions, Swedish ladies-in-waiting wear this traditional costume.
4. Deel – Mongolia:
A Deel is the traditional costume worn for centuries by the Mongols and other nomadic tribes of Central Asia. The fabric may be satin or silk or brocade, and the styling is similar to that of a kaftan . Shaped like a long overcoat, it is not buttoned in front of the body but is drawn tightly across the chest and clasped on the side with decorative clasps. A large fabric belt is the tied over the Deel.
5. Salwar Kameez – Pakistan:
The salwar kameez is a traditional outfit worn by both men and women of Punjab in India and Pakistan. The men in Pakistan wear a loose pajama and “kurta ” set  often known as the “pathan suit”. The women wear long trousers which are gathered at the waist and are narrow at the bottom. The kameez is accompanied by the  “chuni”or the  “odhni “which is wrapped across  the shoulders.
6. Jellabiya – Egypt:
This is a traditional Arab garment native to the Persian Gulf region, worn by women as a casual dress. For formal occasions they wear more elaborate ones embellished with beautiful embroidery and patterns. For the men a similar outfit is also worn, but it is much simpler in design. One of the world’s oldest national costumes, during weddings the bride wears a heavily embroidered and patterned Jellabiya.
7. Baju Melayu & Naju Kurung – Malaysia:
This is a traditional costume worn by the Malays and has its origins in many centuries of Malaysian history. Worn in different styles through the different regions, it basically consists of a skirt and blouse, worn as a full length dress.

8. Croatian National Costume:
Since most Croatians have adopted Western dresses as their daily wear, the Croatian National Dress is worn only on formal occasions. For the ladies it basically has a plain white dress and a blouse and underskirt, which have other accessories attached to them such as jacket, apron, kerchiefs or shawls. Their hair is interwoven into braids and has white or red ribbons.
9. Kaftan – Senegal:
The Senegalese kaftan is an ankle length garment with long bell sleeves. Worn with a kufi cap, these are the common attire for most men in the Western African region. They can be made of cotton or silk or even of lace and synthetic fabrics.

10. Thai National Costume:
Known as chut Thai phra ratcha niyom, literally translated as Thai dress of royal endorsement, it is of relatively recent origin, since it has only been popularised in the mid twentieth century by the Royal family. Based on traditional and ancient dresses, they have now become very popular.
Popularity: 2% [?]

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Ten Most Popular Food Items in the World


Food is an essential part of our lives and everyone has a different take on what is the most popular food item on a menu. For this list let us have a look at what is the most recognizable food item in the world, something that we order for our take-outs or something that we always fall back upon when we are looking for a quick and tasty meal. It can loosely be termed as fast food, though some of these may not fall in that category.
In no particular order – here are the world’s most familiar food items:
1. Ice Cream:
Is there a soul left in this world who has not tasted ice-cream? The ultimate soul food, ice cream has, like many of the food items listed below, adapted itself to local flavours. The most prevalent flavours are vanilla, chocolate and strawberry but there are many places which boast of over 30 flavours. Yummy, mouth watering, and so much fun to eat, ice cream probably tops the list of all popular food items
2. Chocolates:
However a close contender for the most popular food item would be chocolates. Big or small, with fruit fillings or with nuts, dark or milk, the choices are endless. The Swiss claim to have invented it and Cadbury’s claim to have popularised it, and lovers all over the world claim it to be the ultimate aphrodisiac. With choices ranging from the simple Kit Kat’s to the ultimate luxury brands; there are few people who can say that they do not love chocolates!
3. Pizza:
There are few places in the world where a pizza joint is not present! Apart from the inevitable Dominoes and Pizza Huts, there are often some local eating places which will serve you their version of pizza, with some local spices and vegetables added to them. Quick to make and easy to home deliver, pizzas are very popular among the young and old alike.
4. Burgers:
McDonald’s can and do claim credit for popularising the hamburger throughout the world. Children love them and even though the parents are not too sure about the nutritional quality of the burgers, they inevitably give in and take their children to the nearest burger joints. Here also, the burgers have adapted themselves to the local cuisines and traditional taboos.
5. French Fries and Potato Chips:
Where there are burgers – there are French fries. We have combined them with potato chips to make them one category – since both are basically variations of the very popular potato. When well made and correctly fried, French fries can be quite nice and definitely filling.
6. Noodles and Chicken in Garlic Sauce (or any other variation):
Noodles and Chinese chicken or lamb or pork are great light and tasty dishes to get home delivered. Light on the stomach and calories, these are high on the popularity scale. Basically all Chinese dishes accompanied by noodles or rice are being classified in this category, proof of the fact that Chinese food is very well-liked and served all over the world.
7. Chicken Tikka Masala:
Believed to the most popular food item in Britain, this is one of Indian foods most popular dishes. Once again it is light to eat, it is not fried and has some great Indian spices. They have even invented a pizza with chicken tikka masala as a topping.
8. Kentucky Fried Chicken:
The KFC logo is recognisable all over the world and is one of the most frequented places when people are seeking a quick bite of chicken. There have been many other offshoots, but fried chicken has been associated with KFC so long that it has become a kind of generic name for it.
9. Tandoori Chicken:
If there is an Indian restaurant or take-out anywhere in the vicinity, you can be sure that it will have tandoori chicken on it’s menu.  When made well, it is a delicious dish and is often served with the Indian bread known as Naan and some pickle and chutneys.
10. Thai Green Curry and Rice:
Thai food has achieved immense popularity all over the world and the most prevalent dishes are the Thai green curry or red curry served with rice. Lightly spiced, or with a fair sprinkling of chillies – if you like it hot, it is delectable and scrumptious.
Popularity: 3% [?]

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Top 10 Art Pieces Created On The Human Body


When the term ‘body art’ is mentioned, people instantly think of piercings and tattoos. However, the following art pieces will prove to you that there are other ways of exploiting the human body in the name of art.
1. Gemini
This piece of body art has been named Gemini. The woman chosen for the job was painted in such a way that her arms and breasts were sky blue while two babies were painted onto her legs. She sat with her knees pulled to her knees in such aw ay that it looked like she was holding the babies.
2. Walking Money

A beautiful woman was chosen to present this piece of art. The area that was painted extended beyond her collar bone till her thighs. The color used was that of money which made her seem like a walking talking one dollar bill!
3. The Man with Two Faces
One half of a man’s face was painted in such a way that it seemed as though he had two faces. His right eye was the left eye of the ‘other face’ and the ‘other nose’ was in line with his own.
4. Woman Holding a Baby
A woman was painted blue and green and her right breast was painted a skin color. A baby was drawn on top of it and her hand was placed in such a way that it seemed that she was holding it.

5. The Giraffe
A giraffe was painted onto a man’s hand and he was told to fold his fingers in. The index and pinky fingers were painted white and were meant to be the ears while the nose was painted onto the wrist.
6. The Human Window
A woman was told to stand next to an old window which had a moss green frame. A part of this frame was removed and a similar color was used to paint it onto the woman. A few cracks were painted on as well to make it look real.
7. Two Wallpapers
Two women were made to stand against a rose-patterned wallpaper. Their dresses were painted on and their umbrellas were duplicated to imitate the same pattern. A hole was made into the wall to make it seem as though they were coming out of the plaster when in fact, they were merging into it.
8. The Hand Bird
This time, a woman was chosen for this art piece created on the human hand. She was told to bend it at the wrist and cross the middle finger over the index which was meant to be the bird’s beak. The gap that was made between the thumb and the index finger was painted in to look like an eye and the rest of the hand was red, green and blue- the body of the exotic bird.

9. The Human Wall
A wallpaper with an intricate pattern was chosen for this painting. A woman was painted from head to toe with the same colors and the pattern was duplicated perfectly. She was then told to stand against the wall and she blended in so well, that people were quite startled to find that a woman was a part of the picture at all!
10. Two Faces
One woman was made to face another woman who was placed upside down. The woman who was on the right had her arm-pit painted on to make it look like an eye and her breast looked like a nose. Her lips extended beyond her belly-button. The woman on the left had her neck pained in to look like a pair of lips and one eye was made on her pelvic bone.
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