Introduction:
One of the most important tools in the fight against the spread of Covid-19 has been Social Distancing . Also most countries / governments have restricted physical contact or gathering of too many people in one place at the same time
This applies to funeral or death rituals all across the world.
Unintended consequence on death rituals:
One of the most unexpected consequences of these restrictions has been on the non-performance of death or funeral rituals carried out all over the world for people who have died.
Most people could not carry out or perform death rituals for their loved ones who lost their lives due to the restrictions imposed due to Covid -19.
Staggering numbers:
As we speak today , about 9,85,000 people have lost their lives to covid all over the world. Even if we assume 20% could perform some basic death ritual , the other 80% or about 8 lakh people all over the world died without receiving any basic death rituals.
Thats a VERY LARGE NUMBER!
A question of belief:
Many people do not believe in death rituals . Most people don't believe the afterlife or the concept of the Soul or the concept of Reincarnation. Thats fine !
But the basic premise of a death ritual is to honour and respect your loved one !
Who would not want to to that?
Live example: A dear friend of mine lost her 72 yr old father to covid, after 14 days in the hospital. She was only allowed to see his face via Video call as police was restricting people at the crematorium.
She hasn't been able to get over it even today!
Death ritual as a COPING MECHANISM:
Even if you don't believe in the fancy esoteric philosophy of the ritual , we must remember that the death ritual is very important coping mechanism that allows you to deal with death of your loved one.
This can be through:
1. fasting
2. feeding people
3. remembering your loved one and crying !!
4. donating stuff to the needy in the name of the loved one.
The Indian system of Shraadh and Tarpan:
Hindu philosophy prescribes a very defined set of rituals for the deceased on the death of the loved one and once on a year on his death anniversary. There is a period of 15 days in the year which isreserved for this which is called ' pitru paksha'.
I feel that the logic of the Indian system is also the same. TO cope with the death and allow yourself TO GRIEVE!
CONSEQUENCES OF LACK OF DEATH RITUALS:
Most of the world religions and countries and cultures have there own set pre-defined death rituals. They also decree the consequences of non-performance of the same.
What could be the possible consequences, if 8 lakh people, have died all over the world without proper death rituals??
My thoughts on the above subject are:
1. There definitely would be some sort of negative overhang all over the world . It could be in the form of a HEAVINESS OR DARKNESS.
2. I feel that these people would be most keen to receive from their loved ones who are alive. This could be in the form of remembrances or prayers from their loved ones.
3. I also feel they would act as a natural sheild for their living relatives and protect them.
{ NB: My feelings on the above subject are personal and based on my faith and belief systems. I respect everyones feelings on the same}
4. Nature maintains a very delicate balance between life and death. I feel that balance has been badly disturbed. An extremely thin and delicate veil between the living and dead is being pierced.
CONCLUSION:
We are living in unprecedented times . I don't remember a time in history when 10 lakh people ALL OVER THE WORLD died in a period of 6 to 8 months.
I feel we are always connected to our deceased loved ones and their spirit never leaves us. We are an extension of them and they are our extension - DEAD or ALIVE!
I bow to all those who Have lost their lives to covid and pray for their peace and Transition!!
