Ratan Tata’s Last Rites to be Conducted as per Parsi Traditions

Mumbai: Ratan Tata, the 86-year-old Chairman Emeritus of Tata Group and a towering figure in Indian industry, passed away on Wednesday at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital.

The Maharashtra government has announced a state funeral in his honour, and as per Parsi traditions, his last rites will follow the rituals of the Zoroastrian community.

Parsi Funeral Traditions

Unlike Hindus or Muslims, Parsis neither cremate nor bury the deceased, as per Zoroastrian beliefs, which consider the human body a gift to nature. The community believes that cremation or burial contaminates the natural elements of fire, water, and air.

Traditional Parsi Rituals

The body is prepared by the Nassesalars, specialised pallbearers, and dressed in a white shroud, including the ‘sudreh’ (cotton vest) and ‘kusti’ (sacred cord). After a series of prayers led by Parsi priests, the body is taken to its final resting place.

The Tower of Silence

Traditionally, Parsi bodies are taken to the Tower of Silence, or ‘Dakhma’, where they are exposed to scavenger birds like vultures, a practice known as ‘Dokhmenashini’. This method ensures the body returns to nature without polluting its elements. However, due to a decline in vulture populations, alternative methods such as solar concentrators or electric cremation have been adopted in urban areas.

State Funeral for Ratan Tata

Ratan Tata’s body is currently at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Nariman Point for public homage.

At 3:30 pm, his body will be taken to the Worli crematorium for final rites.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to attend on behalf of the central government.