Eight-year-old daughter of Gujarat diamond trader becomes nun - in pictures

  • Devanshi Sanghvi, the eldest daughter of diamond baron Dhanesh Sanghvi and his wife Ami, took vows of renunciation on Wednesday in the presence of a Jain monk in Surat, western Gujarat. All photos: Dhanesh Sanghvi
    Devanshi Sanghvi, the eldest daughter of diamond baron Dhanesh Sanghvi and his wife Ami, took vows of renunciation on Wednesday in the presence of a Jain monk in Surat, western Gujarat. All photos: Dhanesh Sanghvi
  • Devanshi is eight years old
    Devanshi is eight years old
  • She will shave her head and go to live with other Jain nuns
    She will shave her head and go to live with other Jain nuns
  • Some have expressed concerns about whether a girl as young as Devanshi can make an informed decision about the rest of her life
    Some have expressed concerns about whether a girl as young as Devanshi can make an informed decision about the rest of her life
  • Thousands joined in the celebrations
    Thousands joined in the celebrations
  • Jain nuns must shave their heads
    Jain nuns must shave their heads
  • The lavish ceremony represents the last time Devanshi will have any possessions of her own
    The lavish ceremony represents the last time Devanshi will have any possessions of her own
  • Like other Jain ascetics, Devanshi will now wear only white robes and cover her mouth with fabric to prevent herself from accidentally swallowing insects
    Like other Jain ascetics, Devanshi will now wear only white robes and cover her mouth with fabric to prevent herself from accidentally swallowing insects
  • Thousands joined the celebrations in Surat in western Gujarat
    Thousands joined the celebrations in Surat in western Gujarat
  • Devanshi, whose father is the owner of a successful diamond firm in Surat, was always inclined towards spiritual life
    Devanshi, whose father is the owner of a successful diamond firm in Surat, was always inclined towards spiritual life