13. Baby Dropping Ritual

Mothers may want to skip this one.

In some parts of India, Muslims and Hindus toss unsuspecting babies 50 ft from balconies onto blankets held by spectators below. In some cases, the crying infants are shaken before being dropped. The practice is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune for the family.

 

The prevalence of these practices in India is up for the debate, but it’s been going on for about 700 years. It has reportedly been held annually in the state of Karnataka.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights banned the ritual in 2011, but it continues to be held in various places including the village of Nagrala.