Mourn For Me
by Robic UpadhayayN. Badal, 24, is a mourner by profession. For the past 9 years, he has been performing the Kriyaputri rituals on behalf of the bereaved. According to Hindu customs, mourning paves way for the dead to transcend to the spiritual realm.
The mourner takes one self-prepared meal a day, abstains from salt, and is forbidden from touching anyone during the 13-day ritual. Hiring mourners for hefty fees is an increasing trend for bereaved families without offspring or who cannot commit themselves to the rituals. Even though the profession pays well, the job has its bouts of social rejection. “It was difficult to find a bride because of what I do for a living,” said Badal. “I don’t even know what to write under the ‘occupation’ field when filling up official forms.”
The rituals of mourning are transferable but is grief?
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