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Rajiv Ruparelia, son of Ugandan businessman Sudhir Ruparelia, was laid to rest yesterday, Tuesday, May 6.
He was cremated at the Hindu Crematorium Grounds in Lugogo.
Rajiv died on the spot following a freak accident on the Kampala-Entebbe express highway last Saturday.
Tens of thousands of Ugandans followed the cremation via media broadcasts, with many intrigued seeing the remains burning away on planks of wood.
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This article provides an accessible explanation of the key stages involved, from preparation to the final rites, to help demystify the practice.
1. Preparing the Body
In Hindu tradition, the body is typically cremated within 24 hours of death, although for Mr Rajiv, further preparations were needed given the circumstances of his passing.
The deceased's body is washed and anointed with oils, then dressed in simple, clean clothes. A white cloth is commonly used for men, while a red cloth may be used for married women.
Family members often place the body on a bier and transport it to the cremation site, accompanied by prayers and chants.
2. The Cremation Ceremony
The cremation, known as "mukhagni," is a ritual in Hinduism. At the cremation ground, the body is placed on a wooden pyre, usually with the feet facing south.
The eldest son or a close male relative typically lights the pyre, symbolising the release of the soul from the physical body.
The ceremony is accompanied by the chanting of mantras and offerings of rice balls (pinda) to nourish the soul on its journey.
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Allowing the Fire to Burn Out
After the body is placed on the pyre, the cremation process can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours depending on the size of the body and the intensity of the fire.
The fire consumes the body, leaving behind only ashes, bone fragments, and other small remains. It is customary to allow the pyre to burn completely until the flames subside and only a small amount of white ash remains.
The Cooling Process
Once the fire has subsided, the ashes are allowed to cool. This cooling process ensures that the remains are manageable for collection.
The ashes are not immediately disturbed after the fire, and the family typically waits for some time before the remains are gathered. The family may observe a period of silence or continue their prayers during this time.
The Collection of Ashes
After the pyre has cooled sufficiently, the family members or priests will collect the remains using special tools such as a small shovel or a long-handled brush. They gather the remaining bone fragments and ashes, which are carefully sifted through to ensure that all parts of the body are retrieved.
Identification of Bone Fragments
While much of the body is reduced to ash, there will still be recognisable bone fragments.
These pieces, typically the larger bones that do not burn completely, are carefully collected. Sometimes, these fragments are broken down further to make them easier to handle. In Hindu traditions, the bones, particularly the skull, are seen as significant and are carefully preserved.
Final Disposal of Ashes
The collected remains are usually placed in an urn or container. The family then takes these remains to a river or holy water body, where they perform a final ritual by immersing the ashes.
The immersion in water symbolises the return of the body to nature and the completion of the cycle of life and death.
In some cases, the ashes may also be kept for a period before being immersed, as the family may want to hold a special prayer or memorial service before the final disposal.
This act is believed to aid the soul's journey towards liberation. In some traditions, family members observe a mourning period, during which they may perform rituals to honour the deceased and support the soul's transition.
3. Cultural Significance
Hindu cremation practices are rooted in the belief that the body is a temporary vessel for the soul, which is eternal.
The rituals aim to honour the deceased and facilitate the soul's journey towards its next existence.
While these customs may be unfamiliar to many Ugandans, they reflect a deep respect for life and death, offering a meaningful way to say farewell to loved ones.
Understanding these practices can foster greater appreciation and respect for the diverse cultural traditions present in Uganda.