An initiative has been started by the Uttarakhand Sanskrit Academy, under which Hindu devotees can perform the last rites of departed loved ones without actually traveling to Haridwar.
The initiative is named Mukti Yojna, this yojna would allow Hindu devotees to book an online appointment and after sending small fees you can courier the ashes of the dead person. The practice would be performed as per rituals and relatives can attend it virtually through video call.
Secretary of Uttarakhand Sanskrit Academy, Dr Anand Bhardwaj, said that this initiative would be started for those who live abroad and are unable to attend the last rites but locals can also enjoy the benefits.
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Dr Bhardwaj said, “This initiative is for those families that cannot visit the holy city to immerse the ashes of their family members. Plans are afoot to launch the scheme within a month.”
To give an insight into the new service, the academy is also working on an e-brochure in three languages — Sanskrit, Hindi and English.
It was expected that the initiative would launch soon but it has already run into opposition.
Recently, Shri Ganga Sabha, the apex body of priests has been protesting against the initiative. According to the chairman of Sabha, Pradeep Jha the initiative is against Hindu practices and they are opposed to it.
Akhand Brahma Sabha Youth Cell has also opposed the practice and has termed it commercialization. They further said that they won’t accept the initiative.
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In July, due to Covid-19, new rules for immersion of ashes in the holy river Ganga have been issued by the Uttarakhand administration. According to the new rules by District Magistrate, people will have to show the negative RT-PCR Report. They will also have to register on the Smart City Portal of Haridwar.