Rourkela: After the death of her husband, a grief-stricken woman never visits the crematorium during the rituals of funeral rites, as per tradition prevailing in Hindu society. However, there could be a few exceptions and one of them was witnessed here in Sundargarh district.
Breaking stereotypes in the patriarchal Indian society, an elderly woman lit the funeral pyre of her husband. Such a rare incident was reported from Rourkela where the 83-year-old woman set an example for others, sending a message against gender bias in the name of customs.
Rekha Mitra, wife of Srinivas Mitra (83), a resident of Gopabandhu Nagar here, performed the last rites of her husband at the crematorium Saturday.
According to reports, Srinivas died following age-related issues Saturday. As per tradition, usually the elder son performs the last rites of the deceased, or in his absence, another male family member. However, the Mitra couple has no children and had been living alone.
The relatives and neighbours of the couple took the body to the crematorium but nobody came forward to light the pyre.
Rekha finally decided to take up the responsibility and lit the pyre of her husband. She also performed the final rituals to bid a tearful adieu to her husband.
When asked about her decision, Rekha said that as she has no children, it’s her prime duty to pay last respect to her husband after his demise.
“I am well aware of the rituals performed during the final rites. Going to the crematorium on the first day is prohibited. But, my intimate love and affection for my husband gave me courage to perform the last rites on his body lying on the burning pyre. Though it was very painful, I came forward,” the woman said.
While some said, her deed was inspiring; others said that it was not to be encouraged as it would break the age-old practice.
“Hindu society never encourages women, especially the grief-stricken wife to perform the last rites of her husband. The woman, by performing the funeral rites, has indeed shown her courage and enduring bond of relationship existing between her and husband,” a local said.
“This is a progressive step taken by a woman. We have to support her morally. It is a good sign that women are coming forward, boldly throwing out shackles of traditions,” her neighbour said.
“In a male-dominated society, a woman coming forward to perform the funeral rite is indeed path-breaking. Our society is based on social inequality and superstitions; we have to break such types of traditions and encourage women to enter the crematorium,” one of her relatives said.
PNN