Santhara – The Jainist Ritual of Fasting to Death | Oddity Central – Collecting Oddities

Every year, hundreds of Jains across India take up the onerous oath – some are monks, others are ordinary people. Interestingly, over 60 percent of the participants are female, and it is believed that women are more strong-willed than men. The practice is more popular with Jains who are ill or dying, but healthy people are also known to participate

Source: Santhara – The Jainist Ritual of Fasting to Death | Oddity Central – Collecting Oddities