Culture

Kerala’s first ash cemetery comes up in Kannur church

Keeping pace with changing times, the Christian community in Kerala which had accepted cremation during Covid-19 restrictions has gone further and introduced an ash cemetery in the church premises.

With a view to mainstream this concept which was required due to space constraints, the St. Francis Assisi Catholic Church located in Kannur district’s Melechovva has established the ash cemetery.

Talking to the media, Fr Thomas Kulangayi, Vicar of the Church informed that last Friday the first person was interred in the ash cemetery.

The church comes under the Syro-Malabar Church’s Archeparchy of Thalassery.

This cemetery is definitely the first of its kind in Kerala and probably also in India was decided upon when the authorities denied permission for construction of a chamber tomb in the space allocated for it.

The space after getting necessary permission from the diocesan head was converted into one where the ashes of the departed could be interred. In all this facility has 39 compartments set up in three rows.

For interment the necessary funeral rites and rituals as prescribed by the Syro-Malabar Church have to be followed before and after the cremation.

Chambers in this cemetery will be allotted to families similar to the traditional one. The departed soul’s ashes are kept in the chamber in a wooden box with a provision for the family members to pray and light candles.

AddThis Website Tools
IN Bureau

Recent Posts

Taiwan bolsters combat readiness, prepares for ‘war of endurance’ against China threat

Taiwan's military is prioritising combat readiness as a key aspect of deterrence due to escalating…

1 day ago

“When every state is Viksit, India will be Viksit”: PM Modi at NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting

Calling for an increase in the speed of development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on…

1 day ago

Scottish Parliament opposes Chinese interference in Dalai Lama’s reincarnation

The Scottish Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting religious freedom and human rights for…

1 day ago

Baloch American Congress President urges PM Modi to back Free Balochistan movement

Tara Chand Baloch, the President of the Baloch American Congress and a former Cabinet minister…

1 day ago

New study identifies blood molecules that could revolutionise teen depression diagnosis

In a groundbreaking study, researchers from McGill University have identified nine biological markers in the…

1 day ago

India rebuts Pakistan’s disinformation on Indus Water Treaty at UNSC

India, in a firm and unequivocal statement at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), accused…

1 day ago