Ram Charan shows up barefoot at Rashmika-Vijay's reception: Why
Telugu star Ram Charan turned heads at Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda's wedding reception in Hyderabad by showing up barefoot and dressed in black with his wife Upasana.
His look wasn't just a style choice: it confirmed he's currently observing Ayyappa Deeksha, a spiritual practice he has observed on previous occasions.
What is 'Ayyappa Deeksha?'
Ayyappa Deeksha is a 41-day spiritual routine where devotees of Lord Ayyappa wear simple clothes (usually black), walk barefoot, eat strictly vegetarian food (no onion or garlic), avoid alcohol, and sleep on the floor.
It's all about discipline, humility, and preparing for the Sabarimala pilgrimage.
Charan's dedication to the ritual
Even with film shoots lined up (his next movie Peddi drops April 30), Charan has observed the ritual at least on recent occasions (e.g., February 2026 and March 5, 2026).
He even showed up in full Deeksha mode at Allu Sirish's pre-wedding bash in February 2026.
As Sirish put it: "Swami came before any of us touched alcohol. Wished us & left. Love his dedication to Lord Ayyappa (sic)."