In one of the more unusual and headline-grabbing events to surface from Assam, a man from Nalbari district celebrated the end of his marriage in a way that has taken social media by storm. Manik Ali, the individual at the center of this viral moment, marked his divorce by taking a public bath in milk, a symbolic act he said represented his freedom from years of personal hardship. The spectacle, which was recorded and shared widely across digital platforms, quickly became a trending topic as viewers reacted with a mix of amusement, disbelief, and curiosity.
In the now-viral video, Manik Ali is seen outside his home, visibly emotional yet relieved, as he pours multiple buckets of milk over his head. With a broad smile and dramatic gestures, he declares, “I am free from today,” signaling what he sees as the beginning of a new chapter in his life. Clad in traditional attire, Ali's milk bath unfolded in full view of onlookers, with a clear intention to celebrate his legal separation in a bold and unconventional manner.
According to local accounts, Ali's marriage had been fraught with challenges. Reports suggest that his wife had eloped multiple times during their marriage, causing considerable strain on their relationship and emotional turmoil for the family. Despite these repeated incidents, Ali claimed he had remained silent to preserve familial peace. In the video, he says, “She kept running away with her lover, but I remained silent for our family’s peace.” The public declaration served not just as a personal statement but also as a commentary on the years he says were marked by emotional sacrifice and patience.
Ali further revealed that his advocate had confirmed the finalization of the divorce a day earlier. With the legal process concluded, he decided to celebrate the occasion as a moment of personal liberation. The use of milk, often associated with purity and rituals in Indian culture, added a symbolic layer to the act, turning it into a cleansing ceremony of sorts. For Ali, this was not just about joy but also about marking the end of a turbulent phase and stepping into a life free of the burdens he claimed to have carried for years.
The video quickly garnered attention, amassing thousands of views and triggering a flurry of comments. While some users applauded his sense of relief and bravery in expressing it so publicly, others criticized the theatrical nature of the celebration, calling it unnecessary or over-the-top. However, the overarching sentiment leaned toward empathy, with many people acknowledging the emotional toll of complicated marriages and appreciating his lighthearted take on a painful subject.
Sociologists and mental health professionals have weighed in, noting that while such acts may appear bizarre at first glance, they are not without psychological significance. Celebrating a divorce is not a new concept, but doing so in a theatrical or symbolic way is increasingly becoming a means for individuals to reclaim their narrative and process emotional trauma. For people like Ali, this can offer a sense of closure and empowerment, especially in societies where the end of a marriage is often viewed with stigma.
In recent years, divorce celebrations have become more visible in India, though still rare compared to Western countries. From cutting “freedom cakes” to symbolic rituals, individuals have begun adopting ways to honor their resilience after ending difficult marriages. Ali’s milk bath joins this evolving narrative, albeit with a cultural twist that reflects both his roots and his personal story.
The incident has sparked conversations about marital issues, male vulnerability, and cultural expressions of emotional relief. It also brings to light the growing influence of social media as a platform for individuals to voice deeply personal milestones in unconventional ways. Whether viewed as a moment of humor, sadness, or empowerment, Manik Ali’s milk bath has etched itself into the collective digital memory, prompting discussions far beyond Nalbari district.
As of now, Ali has not commented further on his reasons for choosing this particular form of celebration. But what’s clear is that he feels unburdened and ready to move on. His story, while unusual, touches on deeper themes of emotional endurance, cultural expression, and the human desire to find meaning and freedom in life’s turning points.
