Banya (sauna)

A banya is a special kind of room where people go to get really hot and sweaty. In the banya, there are special rocks that get very hot when fire is placed under them. When people pour water on the hot rocks, it creates steam, which makes the room even hotter.

People usually go into the banya wearing only a towel or sheet around their bodies. They sit or lie down on special benches that are also made of wood, and then they start to sweat.

Sometimes, people in the banya will use special branches, called Venik, which are made from trees like birch or oak. These branches are used to hit the skin, which can feel ticklish or slightly painful, but is believed to help with the circulation of blood and help the body to relax.

After spending some time in the banya, people usually take a break and drink some water or tea to cool down. They may also go jump into a pool or a bucket of cold water to further cool down their bodies.

Going to the banya is not only about getting hot and sweaty, but it can also be a social activity where people spend time chatting and relaxing with friends or family. It is popular in some cultures, particularly in Russia and Finland.