India • Jun 21, 2025

Inter-Caste marriage leads to mass tonsuring in Odisha

In Odisha's Rayagada district, a tribal family shaved their heads and sacrificed animals as part of a traditional purification ritual after their daughter married outside her caste without the family's approval.
The event, which happened in Baiganaguda village, was meant to address community expectations and long-held customs.

TL;DR

Everyone participated willingly; no formal complaints were made

A video of the ritual spread online, prompting local officials to step in.
After checking in with both families, authorities found everyone participated willingly—no one was forced.
While the community felt uneasy at first, no formal complaints were made.
The incident shines a light on how old traditions can sometimes clash with personal choices in today's world.