Tradition deviated; Actress performs last rites of her father

Puri, March 19 (UNI) Renowned actress of small screen Madhumita Mohanty broke all traditions and performed the last rites of her father at the sacred Swargdwar crematorium here yesterday.

She lit the funeral pyre and performed the ''Pitru shraddha'', an important ritual traditionally performed by the eldest son of the deceased.

According to Hindu tradition, the eldest or the available son of the deceased can only perform the last rites or the grandsons for their grandparents.

Madhumita's father Sarat Mohanty, a prominent writer, died on Friday last at Bhubaneswar after prolonged illness. His body was brought to Swargdwar for cremation yesterday.

Being the only daughter, Madhumita approached the priests at the crematorium to allow her to perform the last rites of her father.

After initial hesitation the priest finally conceded her request and allowed the daughter to conduct the traditional rituals. This was the first such incident in Swargdwar, described as a sacred place.

Last year in another incident, the local priests had agreed to fulfill the last wishes of a Christian lady who died of cancer in the city. The lady had a desire that she should be cremated at the Swargdwar.

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