In a bizarre yet symbolic celebration, a man from Nalbari district in the Indian state of Assam marked his divorce by bathing in 40 litres of milk, declaring his newfound “freedom” in front of an entire village.
32-year-old Manik Ali finalized a mutual divorce from his wife through the court and chose an unusual way to celebrate the end of a difficult chapter in his life. A video of the event has since gone viral on social media.
In the clip, Manik can be seen surrounded by villagers, pouring buckets of milk over himself in what he calls a symbolic “cleansing” ritual. A large crowd had gathered to witness the spectacle. While some called it a unique and powerful expression of personal freedom, others criticized it as overly dramatic and emotional.
Speaking to local media, Manik revealed that his wife had eloped twice with another man, but he had forgiven her each time for the sake of their child. He said, “I gave her chances, I endured everything, but when mistakes are repeated, peace becomes more important than pain.“
Manik described his marriage as a journey filled with betrayal, stress, and emotional suffering. After the divorce, he said he felt like he was “born again.” Bathing in milk, he explained, was his way of symbolically purifying himself and marking a fresh start.
The video has sparked debate across social platforms. Some praised Manik for his boldness and self-confidence, while others dismissed the act as unnecessary theatrics.
