Mick Hartley

From an In Focus gallery on Hindu Festivals:

[Photo: Reuters/Dwi Oblo]

"Villagers stand along the ridge of the volcanic crater during the annual Kasada festival at Mount Bromo in Indonesia's East Java province, on August 15, 2011. Villagers and worshipers throw offerings such [as] livestock and other crops into the volcanic crater of Mount Bromo to give thanks to the Hindu gods for ensuring their safety and prosperity. Other villagers stand below, hoping to intercept the more valuable offerings being thrown."

Which begs the question: how do the dutiful worshippers feel when their offerings are thus "intercepted"? In other words, does the efficacy of the offering depend on its being swallowed up in the volcano, or is the actual gesture sufficient? It must surely be a little frustrating, if not deeply aggravating, to toss your fattened goat down the slope as your way of giving thanks to the gods, only to see your feckless neighbour collect it, lead it home, and invite all his relatives round for a slap-up feast. Are there regular punch-ups – with the grappling antagonists tumbling down the slope exchanging blows – or is it all managed in a civilised manner?

And, since we're asking questions, why is that man wearing a motorcycle helmet at the top of a volcano?