Heart-breaking scenes at Jodi Thenginamara Road cremation site

Mysore/Mysuru: While people losing loved ones to COVID-19 turning to makeshift facilities that are undertaking mass burials and cremations as crematoriums come under pressure is a common scene in cities like Bengaluru and Delhi, Mysuru witnessed its first mass cremation yesterday at the burial ground at Jodi Thenginamara Road, Bannimantap.

Since Thursday, many crematoriums were full with burning schedules and as such, not to worsen the situation, seven bodies were cremated at Jodi Thenginamara Road cremation site. Before the cremation, family members were informed about the situation and they were asked to come to the venue. Last rites were performed with the consent of the family members and as per the traditions. 

Relatives were asked to see the dead bodies wrapped in body bags where only a small window to see the victim’s face was made. After the ritual they were asked to place flowers on their loved ones. It was a heart-breaking scene as the relatives hugged each other and clutched their hands with tears rolling down their eyes as they said final goodbye to the loved ones. 

Later, bodies were carried one-by-one to the burning location where the firewood was already readied and were placed on the pyre. Pujas were performed and the family members stood solemnly at a distance of 500 metres. The pyres were set on fire while the family members watched silently. 

It took over three hours for all the seven bodies to be reduced to ashes and the body-burning staff waited patiently for the process to complete and showed commitment to their profession. Relatives were asked to come later to collect the ashes for them to follow rituals as per Hindu tradition.