MULTAN: When the residents of Multan passed by a cheerful crowd of colourfully dressed people dancing to music played by a marching band, they assumed it was a party. But, their misconception eroded off soon as they found a coffin draped in a white cloth seated in the middle.
It was indeed not a party; it was the funeral ceremony of a 107-year-old Christian leader in Multan who had passed away two days ago. According to the family members of late Baba Buzurg Sardar Maseeh, it was the will of the deceased to have his funeral celebrated with an orchestra.
Even the ambulance carrying his coffin was decorated.
The family members told the media that according to their custom, anyone who reads the bible regularly after crossing the age of 100 automatically becomes the “Bible minister”, and his death is meant to be celebrated as he has then become “pure”.
The family also expressed joy over the fact that the sardar was able to cross his 100 years, and they hoped that he would be welcomed into heaven the same way he was bid farewell from earth.
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People are celebrating good and long life by their loved one. What is the problem with that? This happens in many countries and societies.
Cultural diversity is the guarantee & proof of a balanced society's where everybody's rights & religion is protected. Any attempt to eliminate a culture, race, ethnic origin or nationality is a direct attack at the long-term health of a society. The problem is the "purist" won't & don't stop there, they then start a war among themselves for perfection until only there is no rights left to give and no one living in peace. It never happen in human history that such leader or his kingdom survived such act. Search for perfection is an unending quest if done with violence it only brings down and annihilate a nation or government from the face of earth. So the minorities in a society are the "canaries of mine" that tells about the presence of invisible & odorless poisonous gases which eventually kill all miners in sleep without them feeling any pain before death. Not only we should protect such activities we must also encourage them for our own safety from the violent perfectionists.
The death ceremony of Sardar Maseeh is an exception case in Pakistan.
Though his children have acted according to the will of their deceased father, but such celebrations cannot be held for others who die untimely and before the children attain the age of 18.
At this point I am also considering the uncounted deaths of innocent people in target killings and matters related to personal grudge, enmity and karo kari.
Sardar Maseeh was lucky to attain the age of 107 years which is an exceptional case, comparing to the average age of a Pakistani.
People who die actually are in a better place than us ..... it's us who are still stuck in here. We should be happy for people who are with their creator. I know this might sound strange .... but that is how I look at it.
Even I have instructed my bother and my kids along similar lines long back. As per my wish, my funeral procession should be accompanied with the melodious music from 50s. On my death anniversary there should be whiskey party and dance every year. Best dancer should be given Rs 5000.00 in award.. Let us see what happens...as i won't be there to see all that..
In West Africa I witnessed such traditions too. Funeral is celeberated with music and big parties and it continues for several times. Good to know and one should enjoy. World is full of colors and traditons. Keep it up.
It is really very difficult to handle a living old man above 100. If people are celebrating it is their thanks to god. Otherwise their is always a tradition to mourn a person on his death whatever age is.
Lol ! world is full of people with such different approaches to life and death. amazing
lol I guess they are happy at his departure
Interesting... !