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!
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Me And My Shaved Head!
Started by verucasalt, May 11 2006 10:45 PM
8 replies to this topic
#2
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Posted 11 May 2006 - 11:42 PM
No one will care. Indians shave their heads for all sorts of reasons. There's no stigma. If you really want to fit in, you can slather your scalp in yellow turmeric.
#3
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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
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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
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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
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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.
#8
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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
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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
