(Image source from: x.com/ani_digital)
Ratan Tata, a renowned industry leader and the former chairman of Tata Group, passed away at a hospital in Mumbai. He received a state funeral in Maharashtra, as per the customs of the Parsi community to which he belonged. Instead of burial or cremation, Parsis believe in returning the human body, a gift from nature, to the elements. They consider cremation or burial as a way of contaminating nature. The body is prepared for the funeral rites, washed, and dressed in traditional Parsi attire by specialized pallbearers. Before the final resting place, Parsi priests perform prayers and blessings to help the deceased's soul transition smoothly into the afterlife.
The Parsi funeral tradition involves family members gathering to honor the deceased and participate in prayers. Traditionally, the body would be taken to a special structure called the "Dakhma," where it would be exposed to the elements and scavenger birds, typically vultures. This method, known as "Dokhmenashini," ensures that the body returns to nature without polluting the sacred elements of fire, earth, and water. However, due to environmental and practical challenges, as well as a decline in vulture populations, modern adaptations have been adopted. In some urban areas, solar concentrators are used to accelerate the decomposition process, while some Parsi families opt for electric cremation, which is seen as a more practical and environmentally friendly option. If the traditional "Dakhma" method is not feasible, the body will be taken to an electric crematorium, where it is cremated in a way that respects Zoroastrian principles of not contaminating the earth, fire, or water.
The late person's remains have been placed at the National Centre for Performing Arts in Mumbai, allowing the public to honor him before the final funeral ceremony. At 3:30 PM, the body will be transported to the Worli crematorium, where the funeral will take place. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will represent the government by attending the funeral.
