Residents of Bahanaga, Odisha, who were among the first responders to the tragic train crash that claimed the lives of 288 passengers, organized a mass tonsuring program on the 10th day of the mishap to honor the departed souls. A total of 116 individuals, ranging from 18 to 75 years old, shaved their heads near a pond close to Bahanaga High School, which had temporarily served as a morgue housing 211 bodies.
The participants took part in a ritualistic bath with priests chanting mantras as part of the 10th-day ritual. The individuals who underwent tonsuring included 12 tribals from nearby hamlets who had rescued several passengers on the fateful evening of June 2.
The act of tonsuring and the ritualistic bath were carried out as a gesture of respect for the train passengers who lost their lives. As many bodies remained unidentified, the locals felt compelled to perform the rituals to seek peace for their souls, considering them as their own people. Villagers from approximately 15 villages participated in the event, adhering to Hindu traditions.
Additionally, the organizers have arranged for a three-day program that includes a prayer for world peace, an all-faith prayer gathering, Vedic chanting, and a 12-hour mantra recitation near the accident spot by members of the Gayatri families from four districts.
The Bahanaga-Soro Anchalika Mancha and Balasore Samajika Sanghathan, local social organizations, are hosting the event with contributions from the community. The program aims to be inclusive of all religions, as people from different faiths lost their lives in the accident, and many of the deceased individuals remain unidentified. Maulvis and pastors have been invited to participate in the all-faith prayer, emphasizing unity and collective mourning for the victims.
