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Believers and Retrievers: pets taken to church for special blessings

The Catholic tradition is meant to bring the animals health and protection for the coming year.

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Rejuvenate and reset with Ayurveda in Kerala

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Welcome to the rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage that for millennia has been used to detoxify the body, heal ailments, and refresh the senses.

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Kyoto geishas pledge to improve their dance and music skills

In Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto, traditional female entertainers known as geishas have resolved to improve their dance and music skills in the new year.

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Kerala leads the way in responsible tourism in India

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Kerala is a narrow sliver of land at the southern tip of India that's blessed with a diverse landscape and mesmerising culture.

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Orthodox Christian worshippers plunge into icy waters

Orthodox Christian worshippers braved cold weather and plunged into cold wateron Monday to retrieve a wooden cross during the traditional blessing of the Orthodox Epiphany Day.

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These Peruvians have a fight to welcome in the new year

It's all part of efforts to leave last year's troubles behind and start afresh in January.

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Dutch courage: Thousands plunge into North Sea for New Year's Day dip

What a way to begin the new decade.

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Grandfather, 68, among New Year's Day divers into Rome's River Tiber

After it was lunch with the grandchildren and then a nap.

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A huge rat statue has been placed in a shrine as an offering

On Sunday, members of a volunteer group and local children put the three-meter-tall rat statue at the entrance of Tatsumizu Shrine in the town of Misato in Mie Prefecture

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Giant rice cakes offered to shrine in Japanese tradition

The huge rice cakes are supposed to ensure good health and an abundant harvest in the coming year.

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The workers behind China's frozen festival

Workers toil on a frozen river in northeast China before dawn, using hand tools and machines to carve large bricks for an annual winter sculpture festival

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Japanese artisans sharpen their traditional skills

In partnership with Enjoy my Japan

Craftmanship is an ancient tradition in Japan and artisans in two cities well known for metalwork are blending ancient skills with modern technology.

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Pope Francis blesses baby Jesus statues during Angelus

Pope Francis on Sunday blessed the statuettes of Baby Jesus brought by hundreds of children to the Angelus prayer in St Peter's Square.

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Ice fishing season kicks off in China's Changan Lake

Changan Lake fishermen are safeguarding a Mongolian tradition of paying homage to the lake and awakening the fishing net.

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New Kanji, new era in Japan

The organizer of the event said that "rei" reflects the desire for happiness of the Japanese and a better future in the new era, which began when Emperor Naruhito ascended the throne on May 1.

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Masked devils march through Czech village in pre-Christmas tradition

"The tradition is long-standing, beautiful and you can't find it anywhere else," said a villager.

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Forests bathed in shades of red are an enchanting autumn destination for visitors to Japan

In partnership with Enjoy my Japan

Urabandai in the Fukushima Prefecture is a place that’s become very popular for nature sightseeing - and it’s at its best during autumn.

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A guide to Dubai’s markets

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From traditional souqs to modern-day artisanal markets, this is where to spend your money while in the UAE

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Japanese onsen - the ultimate in relaxation

In partnership with Enjoy my Japan

Onsen are a fundamental part of Japanese culture and it's in the natural hot springs that Japanese people love to leave behind the hectic pace of city life and enjoy the ultimate in relaxation

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Japan’s past is kept alive in Tokyo’s Ginza neighbourhood

In partnership with Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau

Ginza lies in the heart of Tokyo. Here upmarket shopping and futuristic architecture meet traditional Japanese culture and design. The old and new link together - as you can see at the city’s latest and most luxurious shopping mall, Ginza Six.