Defunct dakhmas

It is pathetic that in this modern scientific age an enlightened, progressive and affluent community like ours has no clue about a decent way for disposal of the dead. Despite knowing that dead bodies need urgent and complete disposal we leave them at the defunct dakhmas where a slow, painful and unhygienic process of decomposition takes place.
Parsis are used to a high standard of living, but once breath stops our bodies are dumped in dakhmas to decay. Relatives feel guilty at not treating the dead with honor and dignity. Imagine the plight of the pallbearers who are forced to work in such hazardous and inhuman conditions at risk to their physical, mental and psychological health. No wonder they take to alcoholism and other vices to counter the effects of the agony they go through. All those who insist on continuing the present system should enter the dakhmas and witness the truth with their own eyes.
Disposal of dead bodies is dominated by concerns of health and hygiene, and a desire to show respect for the departed. Prayers, rituals and ceremonies give peace to the soul. Speedy disposal of the body and traditional religious ceremonies are both equally important. Times have changed and the traditional method of disposal has become outdated. However, the faith in prayers, rituals and ceremonies for the dead remain part of our culture and tradition.
The trustees of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) have the power to take right decisions in the interest of the community. Sadly, that power is used to interfere with people’s individual freedom. Forbidding priests from performing after death ceremonies and denying entry to the bunglis at Doongerwadi for those opting for alternative methods of disposal were hasty decisions which could have been avoided. Ignoring matters relating to the welfare and progress of the community, past trustees have mainly focused on issues relating to the disposal of the dead which should have been left to the discretion of individuals.
For over 20 years, ever since the disappearance of vultures, we have been dumping dead bodies in non-functioning dakhmas to rot and decay. We give a decent burial to our pets when they die. Even the carcass of a stray dog lying on the street is taken care of by the municipality. But we show scant respect for members of the community. The solar panels are just an eyewash.
Another grave danger is that with more people opting for cremation and not being allowed to perform the last rites at Doongerwadi, the place will become redundant. With the new Prayer Hall at Worli to facilitate the last traditional rites, our shortsighted and oppressive policy may make Doongerwadi defunct and we may lose the possession of this precious property. It is essential that we make maximum use of the estate, encouraging community members to perform all pre and post death ceremonies at the tower of silence without imposing any restrictions. This needs the urgent attention of the BPP trustees and well-wishers of the community. Those who opt for cremation should be permitted to have all traditional rituals performed at Doongerwadi and then take the body for cremation. The Sarosh, uthamna, etc could also be performed there, or at an agiary of their choice.
Those who are comfortable with the present system may continue with it until we find an alternative acceptable to all. Many are not happy with the present system but do not favor cremation. They feel burial is better. At many cities and towns where there are no dakhmas there are private aramgahs where bodies of community members can rest in peace. We have not known of any objection being raised or fatwas created against burial. With the present dakhma system becoming defunct and cremation deemed against the tenets of the religion, is it possible to establish a burial ground so that the problem can be solved amicably?
Fortunately, we have vast lands at Doongerwadi and at other places where aramgahs can be established to fulfill this pressing need of the community.
Due to awareness of the need to protect the environment people all over the world are turning to eco-friendly green methods of disposal of the dead. Promession and Resomation are tried and tested methods elsewhere, but have not yet been introduced in India. The vibrant and dedicated new board of BPP trustees should take up this matter.
PIROJA HOMI JOKHI
piroja.jokhi@yahoo.com