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It is said that Torajans are people who “live to die”. For this Indonesian ethnic group, funerals are such extravagant events that they sometimes attract tourists. Families can postpone burials years (and the deceased are considered sick and hosted at home until the funeral) until the family can raise enough money and gather as many relatives as possible. And then it’s a jubilant multiday social event with a parade, dances and animal sacrifices. Agung Parameswara photographed these funerary practices when he traveled to South Sulawesi province, where the Torajans live. But often, their funeral isn’t the last time the dead are seen. In August, crypts are opened, coffins are slid back out and bodies delicately unsheathed. This tender ritual is known as Ma’Nene, which is customarily performed every few years. (Photo by Agung Parameswara/The Washington Post)

It is said that Torajans are people who “live to die”. For this Indonesian ethnic group, funerals are such extravagant events that they sometimes attract tourists. Families can postpone burials years (and the deceased are considered sick and hosted at home until the funeral) until the family can raise enough money and gather as many relatives as possible. And then it’s a jubilant multiday social event with a parade, dances and animal sacrifices. Agung Parameswara photographed these funerary practices when he traveled to South Sulawesi province, where the Torajans live. (Photo by Agung Parameswara/The Washington Post)
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06 Oct 2016 09:15:00
A relative (L) of Champa Devi, 88, sits next to her body, minutes after her death at Mukti Bhavan (Salvation House) at Varanasi, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, June 21, 2014. (Photo by Danish Siddiqui/Reuters)

A relative (L) of Champa Devi, 88, sits next to her body, minutes after her death at Mukti Bhavan (Salvation House) at Varanasi, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, June 21, 2014. The city of Varanasi, on the banks of the River Ganges, is widely considered Hinduism's holiest city and many Hindus believe that dying there and having their remains scattered in the Ganges allows their soul to escape a cycle of death and rebirth, attaining “moksha” or salvation. “Mukti Bhavan” or “Salvation House”, is a charity-run hostel that caters for people who wish to come to Varanasi to die. Guests can normally stay up to two weeks after which, if they haven't yet passed away, they are gently asked to leave. (Photo by Danish Siddiqui/Reuters)
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24 Jul 2014 12:32:00
Bicycles of various bike-sharing services are seen at an urban village in smog during a polluted day in Shanghai, 2017. Rapid expansion of shared bicycle companies across China has led to massive piles of abandoned bikes as supply outstrips demand. (Photo by Aly Song/Reuters)

Bicycles of various bike-sharing services are seen at an urban village in smog during a polluted day in Shanghai, 2017. Rapid expansion of shared bicycle companies across China has led to massive piles of abandoned bikes as supply outstrips demand. (Photo by Aly Song/Reuters)
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13 Apr 2018 00:03:00
A dead sperm whale is seen on the beach on March 18, 2012 in Yancheng, Jiangsu Province of China

A dead sperm whale is seen on the beach on March 18, 2012 in Yancheng, Jiangsu Province of China. Four giant sperm whales, which were found beached on the beach of Xintan Salt Field on Friday, died on Saturday despite rescue efforts. (Photo by ChinaFotoPress)
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19 Mar 2012 12:30:00
This photo released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on June 7, 2012 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) surrounded by members of the Korean Children's Union (KCU) organizations during a joint national meeting to celebrate the 66th anniversary of the KCU organizations at Kim Il-Sung Stadium in Pyongyang on June 6, 2012. (Photo by AFP Photo/KCNA via KNS)

This photo released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on June 7, 2012 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) surrounded by members of the Korean Children's Union (KCU) organizations during a joint national meeting to celebrate the 66th anniversary of the KCU organizations at Kim Il-Sung Stadium in Pyongyang on June 6, 2012. (Photo by AFP Photo/KCNA via KNS)
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25 Apr 2014 07:54:00
Nasar, an Arabian horse, stands in the office of doctor Stephanie Arndt at her home on February 19, 2014 in Holt, Germany. Fearing for the horse's safety, Mrs. Arndt brought the horse into her house during the Xaver heavy storm back in December, and the horse now wanders through the house daily, inspecting details and looking for snacks. Mrs. Arndt says she doesn't mind, and though the horse never spends the night, it does occasionally take a nap in the house. (Photo by Patrick Lux/Getty Images)

Nasar, an Arabian horse, stands in the office of doctor Stephanie Arndt at her home on February 19, 2014 in Holt, Germany. Fearing for the horse's safety, Mrs. Arndt brought the horse into her house during the Xaver heavy storm back in December, and the horse now wanders through the house daily, inspecting details and looking for snacks. Mrs. Arndt says she doesn't mind, and though the horse never spends the night, it does occasionally take a nap in the house. (Photo by Patrick Lux/Getty Images)
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23 Feb 2014 09:44:00
Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, January 7, 2014. Actress Michelle Rodriguez and model Cara Delevingne sitting in the front row during the 4th quarter. The two were hugging and touching each other and Rodriguez appeared to be very intoxicated. (Photo by Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post)

How awkward! Michelle Rodriguez (35) got very visibly drunk and sloppily kissed model Cara Delevigne (21) at the January 7 New York Knicks game, in what has to be the greatest public waste of court side seats of all time. Photo: Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, January 7, 2014. Actress Michelle Rodriguez and model Cara Delevingne sitting in the front row during the 4th quarter. The two were hugging and touching each other and Rodriguez appeared to be very intoxicated. (Photo by Anthony J. Causi/Charles Wenzelberg/The New York Post)
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09 Jan 2014 08:17:00
Rescue workers help the injured at the site of a multi-storey building collapse  in the capital Nairobi, Kenya Sunday, January 4, 2015. (Photo by AP Photo)

Rescue workers help the injured at the site of a multi-storey building collapse in the capital Nairobi, Kenya Sunday, January 4, 2015. The residential building in the Huruma neighborhood of Nairobi collapsed on Sunday and according to the Kenya Red Cross, a dozen people have so far been rescued but an unknown number are still feared trapped. (Photo by AP Photo)
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05 Jan 2015 13:06:00