Religion News Service (https://religionnews.com/author/alexandraradu/)
PULAU SUMBA, Indonesia (RNS) — On the island of Sumba, in central Indonesia, a ritual war game known as Pasola is celebrated annually between villages, and it draws large crowds of all ages.
CAREY ISLAND, Malaysia (RNS) — The ceremony takes place over four days, in which shamans and villagers visit different points on the rivers and seashores where boats have sunk in the past.
BALI, Indonesia (RNS) — A volcano that Balinese Hindus consider sacred is about to erupt. In the days before the lava flows, photographer Alexandra Radu captures Mount Agung and those who revere it.
SINGAPORE (RNS) — For Buddhists and Taoists during the seventh month of the lunar year, the line between the realms of the living and dead blurs.
(RNS) — Every year, between the sixth and seventh months of the lunar calendar, nomad tribes gather in the tiny Tibetan village of Ser Geyrgo for a prayer festival that is meant to invoke heaven.
YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia (RNS) Mountains of food offerings called “gunungans” are paraded through the streets as part of Eid al-Fitr celebrations marking the end of Ramadan.
(RNS) In keeping with tradition, Muslims of Kuala Lumpur break the Ramadan fast with a community meal, known as “iftar,” and evening prayers known as Tarawih.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (RNS) The festival is thought to bring peace, good health and blessings to devotees. For tourists, Thaipusam offers a window on the concept of “mind over matter.”
Indonesia’s predominantly Muslim Buginese community recognizes and respects five separate genders. One group, the calabai, maintains a unique and valued role planning local wedding ceremonies.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (RNS) Islamic law forbids cross-dressing, and Malaysia’s government has a zero-tolerance policy toward transgender issues.