In Odisha’s Raigad district, around 40 male members of a tribal girl’s family reportedly shaved their heads as part of a ‘purification’ ritual after she married a man from a lower caste. The act has reignited concerns over the enduring grip of caste-based discrimination in parts of rural India.
The girl, from a Scheduled Tribe (ST), is said to have married a Scheduled Caste (SC) youth from a neighbouring village despite her family’s objections. While the marriage is legal under Indian law, it was met with backlash from the local community, who viewed it as a breach of caste tradition.
Following the union, the bride’s family faced a social boycott. In an attempt to re-enter the fold of their community and shed the label of “impurity,” male relatives underwent a cleansing ceremony known as shudhi karan. This involved public head shaving and animal sacrifices, reportedly including goats and chickens. The entire event was funded by the bride’s family.
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Footage of the ritual, which has circulated widely on social media, shows men sitting in lines while their heads are shaved by local barbers.
Authorities confirmed they have taken note of the incident and are looking into possible legal violations.
A human rights advocate from the area called the incident “a clear breach of basic rights,” highlighting the need for stronger enforcement of laws protecting individuals from caste discrimination.