Seeing Beauty in the Unlikely

1min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

Vultures, specifically Jip's Vultures, are often overlooked due to their unattractive appearance and association with death, but they possess unique beauty. Despite their large wingspan casting shadows in the sky and their bald heads buried in carcasses on the ground, they have a ring of puffy feathers resembling a Victorian lady's neck. Despite being seen as greedy and linked to death, vultures are quite shy around humans.

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+ on Apple Podcasts to listen to ad-free new episodes and get exclusive access to bonus content.