In your editorial "Dakhma dilemma” (Parsiana, February 21-March 6, 2022) you have presented a candid picture of the present state of affairs in the community. It is sad but very true that we Parsis are not aware of the tenets of our lofty religion.
We are a small community with large resources, but unfortunately we have narrow minds and rigid thinking. We have made it a habit to stick to old and outdated customs. Any change or reform is deemed anti-religious. Instead of raising the level of spirituality, we are more concerned about the disposal of dead bodies and neglecting the well-being of the living. Customs of daily life are linked to religion and we go to any extent to protect them. The dakhmas were created by men of vision and wisdom and very effectively served the purpose for many years, but we have to think about an alternative now that their time is over.
We have extensive grounds at Doongerwadi where we can establish an aramgah to meet our present needs and may continue with it as we have serious problems with the present system of dakhmenashini where, in the absence of vultures, bodies are consigned to the dakhma to rot and decay.
Cremation was mandated for Parsi Covid affected dead bodies. With great effort by the trustees of the Surat Parsi Panchayat, eminent lawyers and religious heads, permission was obtained from the Supreme Court for dakhmenashini for Covid victims.
Doongerwadi, a place like heaven, is best suited for giving a last farewell to the dear departed ones. In spite of serious drawbacks, residents of Bombay still prefer dakhmenashini to avail of the benefits of the serene atmosphere of Doongerwadi.
Though with burial also it takes long time for the body to disintegrate, the aramgahs are well maintained with flowering plants and shady trees. On special occasions one can offer floral tributes to our dear one at the very site where they are resting. Preference should be given to aramgahs rather than insisting on unhygienic dakhmas. Even with dakhmenashini, the dehydrated corpses are ultimately buried in a pit, so why not permit burial to begin with?
PIROJA HOMI JOKHI
piroja.jokhi@gmail.com