Mandya: Death always leaves family members in unexplainable pain, but the rituals that are to be followed after death of a person often lands poor families in further problems financially as they end up making loans to perform the rituals.
However, ‘Thithi Bidi Sasi Nedi’ programme initiated by former MLA Dr Maheshchandra is making waves in Mandya. The MLA has successfully convinced many poor families in the region to do away with the costly rituals to be followed after death of persons in families and replace it with simple programme like that of planting and distributing saplings in memory of the departed soul.
Ashwini, a 22-year-old girl from Annuru village of KM Doddi in Mandya had committed suicide recently, but on Wednesday, the rites that were performed for Ashwini has stirred a debate. Ashwini hailed from economically backward family and her parents were not in a position to perform ‘Thithi’ the way it should have been done. However, when the former MLA convinced the family to follow the traditions, but not turn foolish in spending money, they readily accepted the idea of planting saplings and distributing some among the invitees in memory of Ashwini.
Former MLA Dr Maheshchandra who took part in the programme and said that the event was historic as saplings were being planted in memory of Ashwini. He lauded the family of Ashwini for deciding to do something so unconventional. The move, he said would be beneficial to the society in the long run.
“Thithi, or the ritual performed after death of an individual has turned in to a huge event demanding families to spend lakhs of rupees. This may not be possible for all. Hence doing away with such rituals and following something as simple as planting a sapling can make huge difference,” he said.
Coconut saplings and some flowering plants were planted by Ashwini’s family in her memory and coconut saplings were given away to the guests who had arrived.
