In a heartwarming yet bittersweet tale from Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi, a family experienced a tumultuous reunion when their long-lost son, Pinku, returned home after 22 years as an ascetic. Pinku, who disappeared from his Delhi home at the tender age of 11 following a disagreement with his parents, resurfaced in his village of Kharauli, Amethi, clad in the attire of an ascetic.

The emotional reunion, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, showcased Pinku playing the sarangi, a traditional three-stringed musical instrument, while singing melancholic tunes as he requested alms from his mother.

Pinku’s departure from his Delhi home in 2002 stemmed from a disagreement over playing marbles with his parents. In a fit of anger, he embarked on a journey that would keep him estranged from his family for two decades.

Last week, Pinku returned to Kharauli village for impending rituals to become a sage. Villagers promptly informed his parents, who rushed from Delhi upon hearing the news. Despite a brief recognition facilitated by a scar on Pinku’s body, the reunion proved fleeting, as Pinku departed the village after receiving alms from his mother, despite the pleas of his family and fellow villagers.

Pinku’s father alleges that the religious sect to which his son now belongs is demanding ₹11 lakh for his release. However, Pinku clarified that his visit was driven by religious ritual rather than familial ties. According to tradition, aspiring monks must complete a ritual where they receive alms from their mothers, symbolizing their formal transition into monastic life.