The World’s Most Dangerous Cultural Traditions

Baby Dropping Ritual

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At Baba Umer Burga, a Muslim shrine near Sholapur, India, babies, and toddlers have been tossed off of the roof for over 700 years. The children are not thrown to their deaths; instead, they are dropped over 50 feet onto a sheet held by a group of men.

Each year, Hindu and Muslim parents volunteer their children for the drop. This centuries-old tradition is believed to bless the children with good luck and prosperity for their families. Although it’s remarkably dangerous, there has never been an injury or death reported.