Art patron and Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives star Shalini Passi has shared that she had shaved her hair multiple times.
In an interaction with NDTV, when asked if Delhi women in the show dressed in an over-the-top manner, she highlighted that how women dress is connected to certain aspects of their culture. “Everything comes out of necessity," Passi mentioned.
She added, "So when we don't cut our hair, how do you make it look different every day? By using hairbands, clips, flowers, jhumka, tiara -- whatever you can call them."
She then revealed that she has shaved her hair four times so far for donation. "Even when I shaved my hair at Tirupati, I shaved it four times. So for me also, I don't want to style my hair much, because ultimately, I will donate it," Shalini said, adding that the last time she shaved her hair was in 2018.
This reflects a longstanding tradition that links hair-cutting rituals to significant life events and spiritual devotion. From ancient customs in Hinduism to cultural practices across other communities, shaving one’s hair can signify devotion, humility, or a new beginning.
Cultural or spiritual significance behind hair-cutting or shaving rituals in different cultures
Dr Narendra Bahadur Singh, spirituality and mythology expert from Ayodhya, tells indianexpress.com, “Hair-cutting rituals have profound meaning across various cultures, symbolising transformation, humility, or detachment. Many view hair as a representation of vanity, identity, or attachment to the self, and cutting it off becomes a powerful act of letting go.”
In Hinduism, for example, shaving the head as an offering to deities, especially at temples like Tirupati, is a gesture of surrender and devotion, he states. “This act, called mundan or tonsure, is seen as a way to cleanse oneself of past karmic burdens.”
Similarly, in Buddhism, monks and nuns shave their heads to signify renouncing worldly attachments, a step toward enlightenment and simplicity. For those engaging in these rituals, the experience often brings a sense of peace and connection to deeper spiritual or cultural values, creating a personal and reflective moment of growth, mentions Dr Singh.
Impact of these rituals on individuals
According to Dr Singh, “Participating in hair-cutting rituals can be transformative, as it often brings a sense of renewal, peace, and emotional release. Psychologically, cutting or shaving hair can feel liberating, marking a shift from one phase of life to another. Research in The Journal of Psychology and Theology suggests that rituals like hair-cutting provide emotional relief and can enhance resilience by symbolising a fresh start.”
Specific times or life events when hair-cutting rituals are considered especially important
Hair-cutting rituals often mark significant life events, Dr Singh informs, such as rites of passage, grief, or spiritual dedication. “In Hindu culture, the mundan ceremony for infants symbolises the child’s entry into life with purity and the removal of past karmic influences. Similarly, after the death of a loved one, shaving the head expresses detachment from worldly ties, helping individuals come to terms with loss and the cyclical nature of life.”
In Buddhism, he adds that head-shaving before ordination represents the “individual’s formal dedication to a monastic path,” symbolising the renunciation of material desires and self-centred concerns. The act is symbolic and practical, reminding the individual of their vow to lead a life of compassion and simplicity.
For some Native American tribes, cutting hair is a gesture of mourning or a personal rite of passage, explains Dr Singh. “By altering their physical appearance, individuals symbolically acknowledge their transition. These rituals help people process intense emotions, find closure, and move forward with renewed purpose and strength.”
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