Towers of Silence
99% Invisible23 Apr 2024

Towers of Silence

Situated right in downtown Mumbai, India is an area of about 55 acres of dense, overgrown forest. In one of the most populous cities in the world, this is a place where peacocks roam freely -- a space out of time. This forest is protected by a religious community. It has survived in a relatively undeveloped state in the middle of this gargantuan city. Importantly, it’s also home to an ancient tradition in crisis -- one that is central to the lives (and deaths) of a particular population.

There’s a certain point in this forest beyond which almost no one can step -- only special caretakers of these grounds can go any further. They go by many names: khandia, nassassalar, pallbearer, corpse bearer. Their work here is holy. They carry dead bodies to their final resting place – atop stone structures that stand gray against the lush green. These buildings are called Towers of Silence.

Towers of Silence

Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of 99% Invisible ad-free and a whole week early.

Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Det här avsnittet är hämtat från ett öppet RSS-flöde och publiceras inte av Podme. Det kan innehålla reklam.

Avsnitt(792)

Ask Your Doctor About

Ask Your Doctor About

As wild and random as they might seem, a lot of work—and even poetry—goes into coming up with today's catchiest, most unforgettable drug names. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episode...

12 Maj 32min

A History of the United States in 100 Objects

A History of the United States in 100 Objects

America’s 250th birthday calls for a history as sprawling and contradictory as the country itself.  A History of the United States in 100 Objects — hosted by Roman Mars and produced by BBC Studios and...

8 Maj 3min

Enshittification

Enshittification

Why is it suddenly so hard to fix the stuff we depend on most? Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of 99% Invisible ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Appl...

5 Maj 35min

Citizen of the World

Citizen of the World

One man rejected nationality and dared the world to recognize him anyway. Listen to Far From Home wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of 99% Invis...

28 Apr 40min

Constitution Breakdown #9: Alondra Nelson

Constitution Breakdown #9: Alondra Nelson

This is the ninth episode of our ongoing series breaking down the U.S. Constitution. This month, Roman and Elizabeth discuss Article VI and VII, which include some odds and ends like the Debts Clause,...

24 Apr 1h 5min

Co-op City

Co-op City

The world’s largest housing co-op—built to save New York City’s middle class—became the unlikely site of a resident revolt Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of 99% Invisible ad...

21 Apr 37min

RoboUmp Hits the Big Leagues

RoboUmp Hits the Big Leagues

One study from 2018 found that Major League Baseball umpires blow about 14 calls every game. That’s 34,000 bad calls every year. And it makes a difference. A blown strike call can decide a win or a lo...

14 Apr 31min

Service Request #5: Dude, Where's My Car?

Service Request #5: Dude, Where's My Car?

A missing car reveals the confusing rules, murky fees, and private actors behind modern towing. What infrastructure mystery keeps you up at night? Submit your Service Request by recording a voice memo...

7 Apr 32min

Populärt inom Business & ekonomi

framgangspodden
varvet
badfluence
rss-svart-marknad
rss-borsens-finest
svd-tech-brief
uppgang-och-fall
rss-kort-lang-analyspodden-fran-di
rss-inga-dumma-fragor-om-pengar
rss-jossan-nina
bathina-en-podcast
lastbilspodden
tabberaset
fill-or-kill
avanzapodden
rss-dagen-med-di
bilar-med-sladd
dynastin
rss-veckans-trade
borsmorgon