Daughters conduct final rites of dead foster father in Birur

CHIKKAMAGALUR: In a break from tradition and a heartwarming display of gender equality, two young women performed the last rites of their uncle and foster father at Birur in the district.

B S Vishwanath, a member of the Bhavasar community, died on Thursday and the last rites were conductd on Friday. Since he had no children, his nieces Aishwarya and her sister Bhavana took it upon themselves to carry out the final rituals saying that he was like a father to them.

The sisters, who had lost their father, decided to perform the last rites, and their decision was supported by the family and community. They carried the ‘kudike’ (a pot of water) on their shoulders, walked around the deceased’s body, and completed the funeral rites.

The act was met with praise and admiration from the community, who hailed it as a milestone in promoting gender equality.