TN Family Turns Funeral Into Celebration To Honour Woman’s Last Wish

When someone we care about passes away, the weight of grief can feel overwhelming. Amid this grief, a sacred duty to respect the deceased’s last desires often arises. Interestingly, a family in the Madurai district of Tamil Nadu made a special gesture by transforming a woman’s funeral into a joyous celebration to grant her final wish.

The deceased, Paramathadevar, Nagammal, 96, of Usilampatti, was the widow of a priest. She wanted her loved ones to say goodbye to her by holding a colourful farewell party that included traditional folk arts, music and dance performances, the ones that she had grown up with. She is survived by two sons, four daughters, and 78 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, spanning three generations. 

96 வயதில் காலமான பாட்டியின் ஆசையை நிறைவேற்ற பேரன் பேத்திகள் செய்த ஏற்பாடு..!#Madurai | #OldLady | #Death | #Dance pic.twitter.com/cxk7VfN7bG

— Polimer News (@polimernews) December 20, 2024

What Happened?

Following her last wishes, the family arranged a funeral different from the traditional one. As per her request, her family organised a lively and colourful farewell party that included traditional folk arts, music and dance performances by the village’s children and grandkids. Women performed the Kummi, a popular folk dance from Tamil Nadu. The family’s youngest members even performed a variety of shows to display their talent.

Reaction Of Community

Everyone in the community commended the family for their sincere efforts to grant Nagammal’s final desire. Nagammal’s family turned a depressing and emotional occasion into a celebration of her long and happy life, setting an encouraging example in a place noted for its traditional rituals. Death is inevitable but the life of the person should be honored and celebrated.

Internet's Reaction

The internet was divided in its reaction. Some users couldn't wrap their heads around the idea of 'celebrating' while you have lost a loved one. However, some users brought the perspective that dying in old age is a celebration of the deceased's long life full of events and learnings. There is no reason why it should not be celebrated. A comment noted that in many communities of India, like the Satiyaa community of Rajasthan, it is a common practice to celebrate death.