Roopkund: The skeleton lake

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

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Qila Raipur Rural Olympics

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

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Piplantri: One girl, 111 saplings

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

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Om Banna Temple

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

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Nidhivan, the mystical forest

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

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