Journalism of Courage
Across cultures, death is honoured in unique and meaningful ways. Here are six fascinating festivals from around the world that celebrate and remember the departed. (Source: Photo by wikimedia commons and unsplash )
All Saints’ Day- Philippines and Europe: Families visit cemeteries, light candles, and hold vigils to honour saints and loved ones who have passed away. (Source: Photo by wikimedia commons and unsplash )
Día de los Muertos-Mexico: This colourful festival honours deceased loved ones with altars (ofrendas), marigolds, sugar skulls, and offerings of their favourite foods. (Source: Photo by wikimedia commons and unsplash )
Famadihana- Madagascar Known as the “Turning of the Bones,” families exhume ancestors, rewrap them in fresh cloth, and celebrate with music and dance. (Source: Photo by wikimedia commons and unsplash )
Gai Jatra- Nepal: This vibrant festival is a mix of mourning and celebration, where families parade in memory of those who passed in the last year, often with humour and costumes. (Source: Photo by wikimedia commons and unsplash )
Obon-Japan: Obon is a Buddhist tradition where families light lanterns, dance, and visit graves to guide ancestral spirits back to the afterlife. (Source: Photo by wikimedia commons and unsplash )
Pitru Paksha-India: Hindus perform rituals like offering food (pind daan) to honor ancestors and seek their blessings for prosperity and peace. (Source: Photo by wikimedia commons and unsplash )
