Floods make performing last rites an ordeal for family

As floods devastated fields and homes across several villages in Sultanpur Lodhi, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair, one of the most emotional stories has emerged from Sangra village.

The Tribune recently highlighted how when farmer Satnam Singh’s mother, Gurnam Kaur, passed away on September 17, the family had no choice but to cremate her in the courtyard of their home — the village cremation ground was completely submerged.

Even now, with the area still waterlogged and roads inaccessible, relatives are unable to visit. As a result, the Antim Ardas and Kirtan will be held on September 26, from 12 pm to 2 pm, at Gurdwara Dera Sant Seechewal, Sultanpur Lodhi. The family will perform the bhog at home, while the ardas will be held at the gurdwara to accommodate relatives.

Member of Parliament Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal, who visited the family upon learning of their ordeal, expressed his sympathy “The family will do bhog in their house, and for antim ardas, relatives will be called to the gurdwara, where they will be served.”

The family’s grief is compounded by the loss of their crops. Satnam Singh lost his entire paddy crop to the floods. On the day Gurnam Kaur passed away, her health had deteriorated rapidly. She was taken to the hospital by boat, but tragically passed away the same day. Bringing her body back was another challenge — the family returned at 10 pm that night, again by boat.

With the cremation ground inaccessible, the family gathered dry wood from a sawmill in Sultanpur Lodhi, transported by boat, to perform the final rites in their courtyard on September 18. Many relatives were unable to attend due to the flooding; some made it through the water, while others could not.

Emotional toll is deep

“Every day they step into that courtyard, they’ll be reminded that their mother was cremated there,” Nambardar Kuldeep Sangra said.

Village Sarpanch Gurjit Kaur Sangra recently said, “The decision to cremate at home was taken collectively. The cremation ground is still under water. Given the circumstances, the villagers came together and supported the family.”