Men and children fight duels in Bali as 'sacrifice' to the Gods

You scratch my back... I'll attack you with a thorny leaf: Men and children fight duels in Bali as 'sacrifice' to the Gods - before treating each other's wounds

Local men in Pagringsingan Village, Karangasem, use woven shields and the thorny pandanus to do battle while crowds of spectators watch on as part of the Usabha Sambah - a month-long ceremony to show respect to Indra. The ceremony, which is also called Perang Pandan, is held annually in June - with young men taking up arms and proving themselves against their peers. Fighters often sustain serious cuts to their backs, stomachs, arms and even faces during the battles. But when the fight is over, they help each other with a traditional healing potion of turmeric and vinegar which they rub on each other's wounds.