Help
Sign In »
Register Now!
I need some advice. I am going to be visiting India for the first time in July. I currently have a shaved head but I have read that this used to be/ sometimes still is the mark of being a widow and that there is a certain social stigma attached to this. Is my hair, or lack of it, going to present problems for me in interacting with Indian people and travelling freely? Any advice much appreciated!
Custom Search
Welcome to The Gourmet India Tree
 |
Welcome to The Gourmet India Tree, like most online communities you must register to view or post in our community, but don't worry this is a simple free process that requires minimal information. Take advantage of it immediately! Whats more you can use your Facebook or Twitter account to Sign In
|
| Guest Message © 2010 DevFuse | |
Page 1 of 1
Me And My Shaved Head!
#3
crvlvr 
- Frequent Flyer
-
- Group: Blogger
- Posts: 244
- Joined: 04-May 06
Posted 12 May 2006 - 12:21 AM
people, usually men, shave their head during the funeral, and then let it grow back. I have not heard of a shaved heading being a mark of a widow. So, yes, people may think you have lost a family member recently and act accordingly. People may stare at you too for all sorts of reasons. One has to ignore these trivial idiosyncrasies in order to enjoy India. 
#4
deathbydalbhat
- Group: Member
- Posts: 34
- Joined: 10-May 06
- Location:Somewhere between Thamel and Times Square
- Interests:Buddhism, Hinduism, environment, shamanism, books, parrots, Indian clothing and jewelry, vegetarian Indian/Nepali cooking, studying Hindi and Nepali language
Posted 12 May 2006 - 12:43 AM
If you go to Dharamsala, people might call you 'Ani-la' if you're female, or 'Kutcho-la' if male, because they might think you're a Buddhist monk or nun...
It is a traditional sign of mourning. I was in Kathmandu after the royal massacre in '01 and barbers were offering free head shaves to anyone who wanted it.
It is a traditional sign of mourning. I was in Kathmandu after the royal massacre in '01 and barbers were offering free head shaves to anyone who wanted it.
"I’m tired of looking at the tv news.
I’m tired of driving hard and paying dues
I figure, baby, I’ve got nothing to lose.
I’m tired of being blue.
That’s why I’m going to Katmandu..."
Bob Seger, Katmandu(sic)
I’m tired of driving hard and paying dues
I figure, baby, I’ve got nothing to lose.
I’m tired of being blue.
That’s why I’m going to Katmandu..."
Bob Seger, Katmandu(sic)
#5
yossie23
- Group: Members
- Posts: 10
- Joined: 05-May 06
- Location:Bay Area, California
- Interests:People, coffee, soccer, music and a lot more, in no specific order. Trips in the near future:<br />1- to India <br />2- to Argentina<br />3- to Canada
Posted 12 May 2006 - 12:57 AM
Verucasalt: No worries. You'll fit in Take a bandana just in case you have to cover your head. People might assume that it's a fashion thing and won't be concerned (hopefully).
-Mani
Take a bandana just in case you have to cover your head. People might assume that it's a fashion thing and won't be concerned (hopefully).-Mani
deathbydalbhat, on May 11 2006, 07:13 PM, said:
If you go to Dharamsala, people might call you 'Ani-la' if you're female, or 'Kutcho-la' if male, because they might think you're a Buddhist monk or nun...
It is a traditional sign of mourning. I was in Kathmandu after the royal massacre in '01 and barbers were offering free head shaves to anyone who wanted it.
It is a traditional sign of mourning. I was in Kathmandu after the royal massacre in '01 and barbers were offering free head shaves to anyone who wanted it.
#6
vinayverma
- Frequent Flyer
-
- Group: Blogger
- Posts: 252
- Joined: 04-May 06
Posted 12 May 2006 - 01:02 AM
Okay, Ihaven't read the replies above, I just shaved my head and when I come across unfriendly people, I said' I went to tripathi balaji', they start respecting me. so maybe you can do the same.
#7
verucasalt
- Group: Members
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 11-May 06
Posted 12 May 2006 - 05:04 PM
Thanks everyone!
#8
ddutta
- Group: Blogger
- Posts: 45
- Joined: 04-May 06
- Location:Kolkata
- Interests:Travelling
Posted 12 May 2006 - 05:15 PM
Dont worry be happy . With a shaved head in India , people will think accordingly . In metro cities = Fashionable ,
Holy Places = A devotee
Village & Rural area = Sign of mourning
Budhist Area = Monks
The list is endless .
Holy Places = A devotee
Village & Rural area = Sign of mourning
Budhist Area = Monks
The list is endless .
"If you smile at me I will understand, because that is something everyone everywhere does in the same language"
#9
dzibead
- Senior Guru Member
-
- Group: Moderator
- Posts: 2,089
- Joined: 04-May 06
- Location:SF Bay Area, Northern California
- Interests:India, Tibet & the Tibetan cultural world, reading, gardening, rowing, my little dog
Posted 13 May 2006 - 12:01 AM
ddutta, on May 12 2006, 04:45 AM, said:
Dont worry be happy . With a shaved head in India , people will think accordingly . In metro cities = Fashionable ,
Holy Places = A devotee
Village & Rural area = Sign of mourning
Budhist Area = Monks
The list is endless .
Holy Places = A devotee
Village & Rural area = Sign of mourning
Budhist Area = Monks
The list is endless .
This is a great response because it sort of sums up India and why it's so fascinating: all things to all people -- name a human experience and you'll find it there!
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power." - Abraham Lincoln
Share this topic:
Page 1 of 1