Strange But True With Ankush

In the lush valleys of Arunachal Pradesh, the Apatani tribe once faced a haunting dilemma—protecting their women from abduction by making them look undesirable. This episode delves into their painful yet fascinating history, where facial tattoos and wooden nose plugs became symbols of both beauty and sacrifice. A traveler’s journey to Ziro Valley unveils the cultural significance behind these prac...

A seemingly ordinary train journey turns into a spine-chilling experience as the narrator stumbles upon the legend of Begunkodor Station. This abandoned railway stop in Purulia, West Bengal, is said to be haunted by the spirit of a girl who runs alongside trains at night. The eerie tale unfolds as locals share their terrifying encounters, making it one of India's most feared railway stations. Are...

They say opposites exist everywhere—light and dark, good and evil. Dumas Beach in Gujarat is a living example of this balance. While it’s a lively tourist spot by day, the night brings eerie whispers and unexplained shadows. Legend has it that spirits of the dead still roam its black sands. Are these just myths, or is there a hidden truth? Find out as we step into the darkness. Tune in now on Audi...

Can you imagine a village in India that doesn’t follow the country’s constitution? Hidden in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh, Malana has its own ancient legal system, where decisions are made not by courts but through divine rituals. What makes this village so unique? Why do they consider outsiders impure? Join us as we uncover the secrets of Malana’s mysterious world. Listen now on Audio Pitara...

Deep in the hills of Shillong lies Kongthong, a village where every person’s name is a unique melody. When Akriti and I set out on this journey, we discovered a fascinating tradition—mothers give their newborns a special musical name. But why did this custom begin? How do the villagers live in a world where names are not just words but soulful tunes? Join us on this extraordinary adventure! Listen...

The Wodaabe tribe in Niger celebrates love uniquely. Men dress extravagantly and compete in beauty contests to woo married women. This vibrant cultural festival challenges traditional ideas of love and relationships. A journey into this fascinating celebration reveals a world where beauty meets boldness. Discover this vibrant story on Audio Pitara. Download the app now! Learn more about your ad ch...

In Mexico’s Island of Dolls, countless broken dolls hang eerily to appease a restless spirit. Once a sanctuary for one man, it became a place of terror as paranormal activities surfaced. This haunting tale blurs the line between reality and fear, leaving you captivated and spooked. Experience the terror on Audio Pitara. Download the app today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a...

Hoia-Baciu, the world’s most haunted forest in Romania, is a hotspot for paranormal phenomena. From UFO sightings to ghostly apparitions, this eerie woodland attracts thrill-seekers and skeptics alike. With its haunting silence and unexplained events, the forest remains an enigma that defies logic. Dare to uncover its secrets? Catch this spine-chilling tale on Audio Pitara. Download the app now! L...

Explore Hong Kong’s Hungry Ghost Festival, where locals believe spirits from the underworld visit the living. Streets are filled with offerings, rituals, and eerie traditions to appease wandering souls. Dive into this vibrant yet chilling cultural festival and discover its fascinating stories and spiritual significance. Listen to this chilling episode on Audio Pitara. Download the app today! Learn...

Yangsi, China’s “village of dwarfs,” houses a community where most residents stop growing beyond three feet due to an unexplained condition. This phenomenon has baffled scientists for decades. The episode uncovers the science, mystery, and everyday lives of these resilient villagers, offering a glimpse into a surreal yet inspiring world. Experience this fascinating story on Audio Pitara. Download...

Uncover the painful history of China’s foot-binding tradition, where women endured unimaginable suffering for beauty and status. Known as “Golden Feet,” this practice symbolized elegance but left a legacy of agony and oppression. Through stories and historical insights, this episode explores the cultural roots and eventual abolition of this custom. A poignant tale of resilience and change awaits....

In the remote Kongka La pass of Ladakh lies India’s “Area 51,” where unexplained UFO sightings are frequently reported. Locals and soldiers alike share accounts of strange lights and unidentified flying objects. Is this a secret alien base or just an illusion? This episode delves into the chilling mysteries and the ongoing debate between science and superstition. Enter this zone of intrigue and de...

Discover the Garasiya tribe of Rajasthan, where love knows no societal bounds. In this community, couples live together without marriage, tying the knot only after childbirth. Women hold significant power, choosing partners and leaving unsatisfactory relationships freely. This progressive tribe shatters conventional norms and highlights the beauty of freedom and equality in love. Join us in explor...

Lamba Ki Dhani in Rajasthan stands out as a village without temples or deities. Its residents worship no gods and rely solely on karma and hard work for prosperity. This unique lifestyle reflects their belief that devotion to duty surpasses religious rituals. The episode explores how this bold choice has transformed the community into an example of harmony and progress. Dive into this thought-prov...

Bhomiya, a village in Rajasthan, is cursed for over 700 years. Here, no house is built above a single story, as locals believe doing so brings ruin. The episode delves into the origins of this superstition and explores how generations have adapted their lives around it. What lies behind this ancient curse? Is it myth or reality? Join us as we uncover the fascinating history and eerie traditions of...

In this haunting episode, journey into the mysterious village of Kuldhara in Rajasthan, where the residents vanished overnight, leaving behind a curse that no one would ever inhabit it again. Guided by a local named Prem Singh and accompanied by Akriti, the narrator explores eerie ruins and uncovers chilling tales of the village's dark past. Amidst deserted homes and strange encounters, they come...

Visit Bhangarh Fort in Rajasthan, a site famous for its eerie atmosphere and forbidden after dark entry. Follow the tale of an explorer's journey through this haunted location and the dark legends of curses, lost love, and ghostly encounters that make Bhangarh a place of spine-chilling mystery. Catch this spooky episode on Audio Pitara. Download the app now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Explore the mystifying village of Mohammadpur Umri near Prayagraj, India, where an unusually high number of twins are born. Join the journey to uncover the secrets of this village and the theories behind this genetic marvel that has made it one of a kind in the world. Discover this fascinating episode on Audio Pitara. Download the app today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adc...

In Jatinga Valley, Assam, birds mysteriously commit mass suicide every year. Discover the unexplained phenomenon that baffles scientists and locals alike. This episode delves into the mystique and eerie atmosphere of a place where nature takes an ominous turn. Listen to this enigmatic tale on Audio Pitara. Download the app now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Venture to the eerie shores of Zombie Lake, where myths turn creatures into stone upon touching the lake's water. Join the spine-chilling experience as myths and legends come alive, challenging our sense of reality in a place that blurs the line between science and the supernatural. Catch this thrilling episode on Audio Pitara. Download the app today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaph...

Journey to Umoja, Kenya, a village solely inhabited by women who have found refuge and strength by building a society free from patriarchal constraints. Discover their inspiring stories of resilience, independence, and self-sufficiency. This episode celebrates a unique community's dedication to empowerment. Listen to this powerful story on Audio Pitara. Download the app now! Learn more about your...

Enter the heart of the Amazon rainforest to meet the Yanomami tribe and witness their shocking customs. Discover how this tribe practices a unique funeral ritual, honouring the deceased through an act that might seem unthinkable to outsiders. Explore the depths of cultural practices that push the boundaries of human understanding. Find this gripping episode on Audio Pitara. Download the app today!...

Meet Lee Hadwin, a man who, while fast asleep, creates stunning paintings. Follow the journey to uncover his incredible talent and the mysteries surrounding his art, which he himself doesn’t recall creating. This episode dives into the awe-inspiring story of an artist and his gift that transcends conscious skill. Listen to this remarkable story on Audio Pitara. Download the app now! Learn more abo...

Discover the Toraja people of Indonesia, a society with unique customs surrounding death and the afterlife. Follow the exploration of their elaborate rituals, where the deceased remain part of their daily life until the final farewell. This episode unearths the deep-rooted traditions of a community that redefines the boundary between life and death. Catch this fascinating episode on Audio Pitara....

Embark on a journey to Phuket, Thailand, to witness the astounding Vegetarian Festival, where participants pierce their bodies and endure extreme rituals to cleanse themselves. Experience the intensity and spirituality as the city transforms into a spectacle of resilience and faith. Listen to this intriguing tale on Audio Pitara. Download the app now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaph...