Death signifies re-birth or a mere passing on to a new life. In keeping with the traditions, elaborate rituals are performed to ensure a safe passage and a good rebirth.
The 7th, 14th, 21st,and 49thdays after a person’s death are considered especially important and are recognized by erecting prayer flags in the name of the deceased and performing specific religious rituals. While the deceased are normally cremated, funerary practices vary amongst the ethnic groups. The Lhosthampas, who are mostly Hindu, cremate their dead following Hindu rituals. The Doya indigenous people in the South typically bury their dead next to the house within a stone mound along with their belongings. The body is put upright in a sitting posture facing the direction of the rising sun. The Brokpasin the North carry out ‘Sky Burials,’ a process in which the deceased are prepared and left atop mountains to be devoured by vultures as a final act of compassion and generosity. Elaborate and ancient rituals are also conducted on the anniversary of the death with the erection of prayer flags. The relatives and people of the locality come with alcohol, rice or other sundry items to attend such rituals.
