Daughter defies tradition: shaves head, performs father's last rites in Odisha village

Bhubaneswar (The Uttam Hindu): In Odisha's Sarkana village, a daughter defied social norms and accomplished what was once considered a privilege reserved for sons. This courageous daughter, Diptilata, not only lit her father's funeral pyre after his death, but also performed all mourning rituals with full devotion and reverence. This incident is being widely discussed throughout the region, and people are considering it a powerful and positive message of changing social thinking.

After her father passed away on December 1st, Deeptilata took on the responsibility of the family. Since she had no sons, the responsibility of performing his last rites fell on her, a responsibility she accepted without hesitation. Deeptilata performed her father's last rites according to Hindu customs. Furthermore, after the funeral, she performed every traditional mourning ritual with complete devotion. On the tenth day, she even performed her own tonsure ceremony, a ritual traditionally performed only by sons. This act proved that daughters are no less than sons in terms of service and duty.

Deeptilata is the younger of two sisters and lived with her parents, while her elder sister, Preeti, lives with her in-laws after marriage. Deeptilata's bold decision faced no opposition in the village; on the contrary, villagers and neighbors praised her courage and dedication to her father. Her elder sister, Preeti, and brother-in-law also expressed pride in Deeptilata's decision. They say that even when there is no son in the family, a daughter is capable of fulfilling every responsibility. Through her actions, Deeptilata has sent a message to society that daughters can support their parents until their last breath.