Religion makes people do crazy things. Forbid medicine in favor of prayer; protest funerals; and, in the case of a 65-year old farmer in India, stop bathing. Entirely. Guru Kailash Singh gave up bathing 37 years ago after his wedding after a priest told him that doing so would aid in the creation of a son. Not only has he not stopped bathing, but he doesn’t cut his dreadlocks anymore, which is less significant when you realize that a lot of seemingly sane, non-religious folk do the same thing. Apparently the whole “non-bathing” thing has irked his wife, Kalavati Devi, aged 60. With the help of others, she attempted to chase him into a stream, but he wouldn’t have any of it. “He fought us off and ran away,” she said. Thankfully, his wife has gotten used to it. Sadly, children apparently tease him as he rides his bike through the village. “There are many people who have a poor character that mock me for not washing,” he said. “They do not understand my decision but I will not change my mind as it is God’s choice, not mine.” So did it work? He has seven daughters. Poor guy. I think what’s worse is that his wife is apparently still having sex with him, and his refusal to bathe means she plans on continuing until she bears him a son. |