A Joyful Twist on a Painful Tradition
In a country where divorce often carries social stigma, a young Indian man has taken a bold and unconventional step — celebrating his divorce publicly. The full story of this unusual celebration, including details about how 40 liters of milk were used in the ritual, is covered in Freedom in Milk: Man Celebrates Divorce with 40-Litre Milk Bath.
The short clip shows the man, dressed in new clothes, smiling broadly as his mother performs the Abhishekam, a traditional Hindu purification and blessing ceremony in which milk or water is poured over a person or idol. After the ritual, he cuts a cake and declares his happiness, saying:
Stay happy. Celebrate your life. Don’t be sad. I’m single, happy, and free.
From Heartbreak to Celebration
Divorce is often seen as a somber, even shameful event in parts of Indian society, especially in conservative communities. Public celebrations of divorce are extremely rare, and this man’s act — involving his mother in the ritual — added another layer of surprise for many viewers.
The video struck a chord online, dividing opinions. Some users praised the man’s positivity and self-acceptance. It’s refreshing to see someone celebrating personal freedom rather than mourning a failed relationship, one commenter wrote.
Others, however, mocked the spectacle. One viewer sarcastically remarked, Mama’s boy is finally free! Another questioned whether such celebrations trivialize the emotional pain of separation.
Social Media Divided
Beyond the humor and memes, the video has sparked a broader debate about gender and societal double standards. One user pointed out:
When a father celebrated his daughter’s divorce, people criticized him. But now that a mother is celebrating her son’s, everyone is cheering.
This contrast reflects the deeply ingrained social perceptions around gender roles in marriage. In many parts of India, divorced women face heavier judgment and social isolation compared to men. While men are often seen as reclaiming independence, women are still expected to preserve family unity at all costs.
Another user added a more balanced view: “Divorce isn’t the end of life. Sometimes, walking away from a toxic relationship is better than staying unhappy.”
Shifting Attitudes Toward Divorce
According to India’s National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), divorce rates in India remain relatively low — less than 1% of marriages end in legal separation. However, experts note that social attitudes are slowly changing, especially among urban youth.
Mental health professionals argue that celebrating divorce, while unconventional, can be a healthy form of emotional closure. It allows individuals to reclaim agency and joy after a difficult chapter, said one Mumbai-based psychologist in a recent interview about changing perceptions of divorce in India.
Still, many observers believe such public celebrations can also send mixed messages. Happiness after divorce is understandable, another social commentator wrote, but turning it into a public show might downplay the seriousness of relationships.
A New Beginning
Despite the mixed reactions, the viral moment underscores an important message: not every ending must be tragic. For many people, divorce marks the start of personal growth and rediscovery.
The young man’s milk bath may seem humorous to some, but to others, it symbolizes liberation — a public declaration that moving on is not shameful.
As one social media user aptly commented: Sometimes, endings are just disguised beginnings.
Whether seen as a bold act of self-expression or a fleeting internet sensation, the video has certainly opened a conversation about how Indians view marriage, divorce, and happiness in a rapidly changing society.
