A young woman from Balianta's Sarkana village in the Khordha region of Odisha has gained notoriety for carrying out her father's final rites, which included customs typically performed by sons. Her behaviour has been widely seen in the community as a reflection of shifting societal standards, as daughters are increasingly assuming roles that were previously thought to be reserved for male family members.
Mukhaagni was performed in Swargadwar.
Sarkana village resident Deeptilata Mohanty is said to have conducted the mukhaagni for her father, Sharata Mohanty, who died on December 1. Deeptilata performed the cremation rites in Swargadwar because there was no son in the family.

The two daughters of Sharata Mohanty are Deeptilata, who had been living with her parents, and Preeti, the older daughter who is married and resides with her in-laws.
Noticed Every Mourning Custom
Deeptilata carefully followed all recommended mourning customs after the cremation. She carried out the traditional nighttime ceremonies, offered the daily handi (ritual food), and adhered strictly to the cleansing procedures for the next few days.
Deeptilata endured tonsuring, a custom often carried out by sons, on the ninth day of the mourning period. In order to complete the rituals connected to the time of loss, she also broke the handi.

Villagers Respect Daughter's Choice
Despite being unusual, the community did not oppose Deeptilata's choice. Rather, the villagers and neighbours recognised her role in carrying out her family duties with dignity and valued her dedication to the customs.
Family Shows Pride and Support
Preeti, her older sister, and Shashibhusan, her brother-in-law, expressed delight in Deeptilata's deeds and said that the bereaved family found solace in her commitment.
They pointed out that Deeptilata's choice reassures families without sons that daughters are just as capable of carrying out all duties, even those customarily performed by male successors.