1.

**Bride Kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan**:

Bride kidnapping, or „ala kachuu” which translates to „to take and run away,” is a controversial tradition in Kyrgyzstan. Although it became
illegal in 1994, the practice persists, particularly in rural areas where over 60% of the country’s population lives¹. A typical scenario involves
a group of men abducting a woman chosen by one of them to be his wife. The woman is taken to the groom’s family home, where she is
persuaded to consent to the marriage. This practice has sparked significant protests and calls for change, especially after tragic incidents
where women were harmed during such kidnappings¹²³. Despite its illegality and the negative attention it has received, some in Kyrgyzstan
still view bride kidnapping as a tradition, with older generations often considering it a harmless custom¹.

2. **Canang Sari in Bali, Indonesia**:

The Canang Sari is a daily offering made by Balinese Hindus as a gesture of gratitude and prayer to the Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa. These
offerings are crafted from palm leaves and filled with flowers, incense, and food, symbolizing the balance between the divine and the
earthly⁷. The preparation of Canang Sari is a meticulous process, reflecting the Balinese dedication to their spiritual practices. Each morning,
before sunrise, Balinese women, and sometimes men, create these offerings and place them in various locations, including homes, temples,
and even on the streets⁸. The Canang Sari is not just a religious ritual; it is a daily expression of devotion and a means to maintain harmony
in Balinese life⁹.

3. **La Tomatina in Buñol, Spain**:

La Tomatina is a festival that epitomizes the joy of a community coming together to engage in a harmless, albeit messy, tradition. Originating
from a spontaneous food fight among friends in 1945, it has evolved into a well-organized event attracting thousands of participants from
around the globe⁴. Every last Wednesday of August, the streets of Buñol are painted red as over 120 tonnes of tomatoes are hurled in good
spirits⁵. The event has a cap of 20,000 participants to manage the crowd and ensure safety ⁴. La Tomatina is more than just a tomato fight; it’s
a week-long celebration with music, dancing, parades, and even a paella cooking competition on the eve of the tomato battle ⁶.

These traditions, whether controversial or celebratory, showcase the rich tapestry of human cultural practices across the globe.