Go Ad-Free
My Alerts
Moneycontrol
Moneycontrol PRO
Get App Open
In App
News on WhatsApp
News on WhatsApp
Go PRO Now
Open App
HomeNewsindia

COVID-19 | Scarf, comb show changes to Hindu cremation rites

Hindus believe cremation of the body frees the soul so it can be reborn, and they often burn belongings that were with the body at the time of the death.

Associated Press | July 12, 2021 / 13:15 IST
1/7
A comb. A toothbrush. A bangle. A cotton scarf — protection from the summer heat now used as a face mask. (Image: AP)
A comb. A toothbrush. A bangle. A cotton scarf — protection from the summer heat now used as a face mask. (Image: AP)
2/7
The personal belongings of cremated COVID-19 victims lie strewn around the grounds of the Ulubari cremation ground in Gauhati, the biggest city in India’s remote northeast. (Image: AP)
The personal belongings of cremated COVID-19 victims lie strewn around the grounds of the Ulubari cremation ground in Gauhati, the biggest city in India’s remote northeast. (Image: AP)
3/7
It's a fundamental change from the rites and traditions that surround death in the Hindu religion. And, perhaps, also reflects the grim fears grieving people — shaken by the deaths of their loved ones — have of the coronavirus in India, where more than 405,000 people have died. (Image: AP)
It's a fundamental change from the rites and traditions that surround death in the Hindu religion. And, perhaps, also reflects the grim fears grieving people — shaken by the deaths of their loved ones — have of the coronavirus in India, where more than 405,000 people have died. (Image: AP)
4/7
Hindus believe cremation of the body frees the soul so it can be reborn, and they often burn belongings that were with the body at the time of the death. (Image: AP)
Hindus believe cremation of the body frees the soul so it can be reborn, and they often burn belongings that were with the body at the time of the death. (Image: AP)
5/7
The belongings of the COVID-19 victims are left behind because of fear of touching them. They are scattered around the entire grounds of the Ulubari crematorium, particularly where the pyres are lit. (Image: AP)
The belongings of the COVID-19 victims are left behind because of fear of touching them. They are scattered around the entire grounds of the Ulubari crematorium, particularly where the pyres are lit. (Image: AP)
6/7
India’s devastating virus surge in April and May left families and patients pleading for oxygen outside hospitals, the relatives weeping in the street as their loved ones died while waiting for treatment. Crematoriums were overwhelmed and often lit around the clock. (Image: AP)
India’s devastating virus surge in April and May left families and patients pleading for oxygen outside hospitals, the relatives weeping in the street as their loved ones died while waiting for treatment. Crematoriums were overwhelmed and often lit around the clock. (Image: AP)
7/7
Infections are declining, but authorities are pushing to increase vaccinations as they prepare for another possible surge. (Image: AP)
Infections are declining, but authorities are pushing to increase vaccinations as they prepare for another possible surge. (Image: AP)

Discover the latest Business News, Budget 2025 News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!

Advisory Alert: It has come to our attention that certain individuals are representing themselves as affiliates of Moneycontrol and soliciting funds on the false promise of assured returns on their investments. We wish to reiterate that Moneycontrol does not solicit funds from investors and neither does it promise any assured returns. In case you are approached by anyone making such claims, please write to us at grievanceofficer@nw18.com or call on 02268882347