Kanpur Dehat Daughter Carries Father’s Bier, Lights His Funeral Pyre

A deeply emotional image that challenges old social traditions has emerged from Khamhaila village in the Mangalpur police station area of Kanpur Dehat. A daughter stepped beyond the customary expectations associated with funeral rituals and performed the duties traditionally expected of a son. She also lit her father’s funeral pyre.

The deceased, 50-year-old Sushil Kumar Awasthi, was a resident of Khamhaila village. He had been battling cancer, a serious illness, for some time. Sushil Kumar supported his family by farming and performing priestly rituals, or karmkand.

After losing his long battle with cancer, Sushil Kumar breathed his last the previous night. His death left the entire family overwhelmed with grief.

Sushil Kumar Awasthi is survived by his wife and two daughters. His elder daughter, Shivi, is already married, while his younger daughter, Purnima, is unmarried.

After her father’s death, the question of who would carry out the last rites arose. At that point, Purnima stepped forward and took responsibility. She carried her father’s bier on her shoulder and completed all the funeral rituals, including lighting the pyre.

By performing these rites herself, Purnima fulfilled what is traditionally described as a son’s duty. Her decision has brought attention to the emotional moment in Khamhaila village and to the way she moved beyond the old tradition that generally assigns these responsibilities to a male family member.

Reported by Vivek Trivedi.