A man from India's northern Kanpur made it into the Guinness Book of World Record for growing the longest ear tufts.

Bajpai's ear tufts measured 13.2 cm (5.19 inches.) when he created the record, which has now grown to almost 25 cm.

A grocer by profession, Radhakant Bajpai entered the record book for having the longest ear tufts in 2003.

The earlier record was held by B.D. Tyagi of central Indian city of Bhopal with 10.2 cm-long ear tufts.

He is however, dismayed at the lack of government appreciation of the feat.

"The government is not providing any assistance and society too is apathetic. People consider sporting long hair on ears to be an act of foolishness. Had the government commended the feat, society would also have been quick to accord recognition," said Radhakant Bajpai.

Radhakant's son however, never felt that his father's hobby was weird.

"I have never felt that ear tufts are odd because I am used to seeing them. Once I had gone to gain admission in college along with my father, people were staring, and then I realized that it was something unusual," said Satyam Bajpai, son of Radhakant.

Radhakant's unusual feat has earned the market area due lime light.

"We feel proud to have one of the most respectable persons from our market gaining entry in the Guinness Book. Our market has gained fame and recognition along with him," said Lakshman Gupta.

Radhakant, who drew inspiration from the principal of Christ Church College, uses a special shampoo to maintain his hair. And such is his obsession, that he has stopped wearing rings and necklaces, so as not to damage the hair.