Family urges kin to pray for departed soul at home

Nikhil Bhardwaj

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, April 2

“Stay Home Stay Safe”, this message is written on the card of “Bhog and Antim Ardas” of an elderly woman who breathed her last a few days ago. The bereaved family does not want to put people at risk of contracting infection by asking them to gather at a place to pray for the departed soul.

This is not an isolated case. Most people are resorting to this practice to prevent spread of Covid infection.

According to information, Ram Pyari Verma had died due to prolonged illness. Her “Bhog and Antim Ardas” was scheduled for April 4. Usually, the family, close relatives and others gather in large numbers to pay tributes to the departed soul.

“It is requested that all of you pray for her (my mother) from home in these harsh and unfortunate times. Stay home and stay safe,” this is what is written on the card being circulated through WhatsApp and Facebook by the bereaved family.

Ramesh Verma, son of the deceased, said though he lost his mother and entire family was grief stricken, he didn’t want anyone to come out of their houses to pay tribute to her, due to curfew. “Another main reason we want people to stay at home is Covid-19. Many relatives are still calling us they will visit out place to share our sorrows, but we have urged them to pray for the departed soul sitting home only,” said Verma.

It was learnt that only family members take part in such rituals and that too while maintaining proper social distancing and wearing masks.