By Dipak Debnath: As a mark of love and gratitude for his beloved parrot who passed away, a man in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district performed its last rites as per Hindu rituals.
The parrot named “Bhakto” had been living in the Majumdar family for the past 25 years and was treated just like a kid. The parrot, just like any other family member, used to take meals with them.
Tarak Majumdar, a resident of Aayra village in Habra, of North 24 Parganas, said, “We loved him very much just as our family member. It was with us for 25 years.”
The parrot reportedly fell ill on Friday and later died, after which the family decided to conduct its last rites according to Hindu customs. The local people also rushed to Tarak’s house to offer their last respects to the dear pet.
Tarak said, “We had a function and the sound box was playing. Bhakto was beside the box in its cage. Suddenly, it fell unconscious. I think the defaming sound hit the pet bird in it’s brain. We immediately removed Bhakto from the cage and gave it water, and it opened its eyes. But after a while it died in my hand.”
“Bhakto will be born as a human being in their family in future,” hopes Majumdar.
On Tuesday, the Majumdar family called a priest and performed last rites of their beloved pet parrot in their house as per Hindu rituals.
Later, the mortal remains were taken to Hooghly river ghat in Naihati and rituals were performed. On Wednesday, the family arranged “bhoj” (feast) and invited at least 25 people to attend the occasion.
Shivani Majumdar, wife of Tarak Majumdar said, “We did all the rituals after the demise of our beloved Bhakto, what the people generally do for their family members after death.”
