Final journey interrupted, ashes wait to be immersed

Chandigarh has four cremation grounds and locker facilities are provided only at Sector 25 and Mani Majra cremation grounds. The lockdown and the COVID-19 spread has also resulted in thinned out crowd in funerals and gatherings at the cremation ground.

A Sector 4 resident, 85-year-old Krishan Devi passed away last night due to her long illness. One of her relatives and Sector 49 resident, Shakuntla Devi said, “Only nine of us came here for the cremation. If the COVID-19 was not an issue, there would be a gathering of over 200 people. Krishna Devi had a huge family. Her husband was a senior army officer. Her son, Balram, is a well-settled businessman. However, only very close relatives were informed about the demises of Krishan Devi and most of them were advised to not come to the cremation ground.” Krishan Devi’s pyre was lit by her son, Balram, in the presence of the handful people.

Caretaker of the Mani Majra cremation ground, Gaurav Sharma said, “The UT administration allows maximum of 20 people to attend the cremation. Surprisingly, local people themselves are not encouraging others to attend the cremation. Even the last rites are being performed silently. Before lockdown, thousands of people came here for attending the cremation. Since March 23, this has completely changed. We also advised people to come in minimum numbers. On an average, five to six cremation rites are held here everyday.”