An elderly man in Gajapati, Odisha, has built a grave for himself and his wife as he doesn't want his children to "bury them without dignity".

Laxman Bhuyan, 80, and his wife Jengi Bhuyan, 70, have cut all ties with their children and live a solitary life in their village.

Laxman spent 150,000 Indian rupees (£1,522) constructing the tomb fitted with a marble grave. It took him around four years to build.

The 80-year-old said he did not want his children to bury he and his wife without dignity.

An elderly couple from the Gajapati district in India's Odisha state has built graves for themselves instead of constructing a house. Laxman Bhuyan, 80, and his wife Jengi Bhuyan, 70, have cut all ties with their children and assets and live a solitary life in an asbestos-roofed house in Souri village. Laxman spent Rs 1.5 lakh to construct a marble-fitted grave with a tomb for him and his wife. He had to sell all his assets to fund the construction cost.

Laxman visits the graves every day to ensure they are intact. He said he constructed the graves because he did not want his children to bury them without dignity after their death. The graves were constructed three to four years ago, and Laxman said he and his wife would live in peace at least after death.

The couple's decision to build graves instead of a house has become the talk of the town in their locality. Villagers have praised Laxman for his decision to ensure a dignified resting place for himself and his wife.

The story of Laxman and Jengi Bhuyan is a unique and thought-provoking one that has sparked discussions about death and burial customs in Indian culture. Despite societal norms and taboos, the couple has taken it upon themselves to ensure their final resting place is as they want it to be. The story highlights the importance of open discussion about death and burial customs in Indian society.