Why Did 4,000 Villagers Attend a Monkey's Funeral Feast in MP District?
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Synopsis
In a surprising show of devotion, over 4,000 villagers in Madhya Pradesh's Rajgarh district celebrated a monkey's life with a grand funeral feast, believing it to be an incarnation of Lord Hanuman. This unique ceremony highlights the cultural significance of animals in Indian society.
Key Takeaways
- Over 4,000 villagers attended a funeral feast for a monkey in Madhya Pradesh.
- The monkey was believed to be an incarnation of Lord Hanuman.
- Villagers performed traditional Hindu rites similar to those for human family members.
- A grand feast was organized with significant community participation.
- This event highlights the cultural significance of animals in Indian society.
Rajgarh, Nov 19 (NationPress) In a remarkable occurrence, over 4,000 individuals gathered on Wednesday for a 'mrityu bhoj' (funeral feast) honoring a monkey in a village located in Madhya Pradesh's Rajgarh district. The local community regarded the monkey as a manifestation of Lord Hanuman, leading to the performance of rituals typically reserved for human relatives.
Twelve days prior, the monkey had tragically died after being electrocuted by a high-voltage power line. On November 8, villagers adorned the monkey’s bier and orchestrated a funeral procession featuring a DJ, with the whole village participating. Following traditional Hindu rites, the monkey was cremated at Shanti Dham.
After eleven days, residents, including village Patel Biram Singh Sondhiya, journeyed to Ujjain to immerse the ashes into the Shipra River. Priests conducted the rituals, treating the monkey as a family member, which included the symbolic shaving of its “beard” and observing the customary eleventh-day ceremony.
Upon their return to Darawari, a grand funeral feast was organized on the twelfth day. The villagers collected nearly one lakh rupees in donations for this event. The feast featured 'puris' made from around five quintals of flour, 40 kilograms of sev, curry prepared from 100 litres of buttermilk, one quintal of sugar, and a range of vegetarian dishes. Invitations were sent to nearby villages, resulting in attendance from more than 4,000 individuals from a 30-35 kilometre radius.
A similar event transpired in 2022 when approximately 1,500 residents of Dalupura village in Rajgarh district conducted the last rites for another monkey. A local youth named Hari Singh even shaved his head as part of the mourning ritual. The monkey in that instance was not a pet but rather a frequent visitor to the village. In various regions of India, monkeys are revered due to their connection with Lord Hanuman.
After those rites, villagers raised funds and organized a feast for over 1,500 people, printing and distributing invitations for the occasion.
Point of View
I find this story not only heartwarming but also a testament to the deep-rooted cultural beliefs that shape our society. The reverence shown towards animals like monkeys in India reflects a unique blend of faith and community, showcasing the importance of rituals that connect individuals to their spiritual beliefs. This event serves as a reminder of the profound ties we share with all living beings.
NationPress
19/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the villagers hold a funeral feast for the monkey?
The villagers believed the monkey was an incarnation of Lord Hanuman and performed rituals typically reserved for human family members.
What happened to the monkey?
The monkey died after being electrocuted by a high-tension power line.
How did the villagers celebrate the monkey's life?
The villagers organized a grand funeral feast that included various vegetarian dishes and raised funds through donations.
What rituals were performed during the funeral?
Rituals included decorating the bier, a funeral procession with a DJ, cremation at Shanti Dham, and immersion of ashes in the Shipra River.
Is this a common occurrence in India?
In many parts of India, monkeys are considered sacred due to their association with Lord Hanuman, and similar events have occurred in the past.
