Women Light Pyres, Defy Tradition

Women across India are stepping into a role traditionally reserved for men: performing the last rites for the deceased. In Vrindavan, Lakshmi Gautam, a retired professor, began lighting funeral pyres for unclaimed bodies after witnessing neglect. Her actions, though initially shocking, have inspired others.

Pushplata Singh in Gorakhpur and Shalini Saini in Muzaffarnagar are among those who have taken on this mission, often facing social ostracization and accusations. These women act as 'torch-bearers' for the friendless, providing a dignified end for those who would otherwise be forgotten.

This defiance echoes historical acts, such as Savitribai Phule lighting her husband's pyre in 1890 and Maharajin Bua, who performed cremations for over six decades. Despite societal hurdles and the emotional toll, these women are driven by a sense of duty and compassion, challenging indifference and ensuring that the final journey is not marked by indignity.