UP Man Conducts Own Last Rites Amid Family Distrust, Dies 2 Days Later

In a remarkable case from Uttar Pradesh’s Etah, an elderly man, Hakim Singh Yadav, orchestrated his last rituals (Shradh) and hosted a funeral feast (tehrvi) while still alive, leaving the community in astonishment. The 70-year-old man’s unconventional act took a tragic turn when he passed away just two days later.

Hakim Singh Yadav, residing in Munshi Nagar, Sakit area of Etah, undertook the extraordinary step of conducting his death rituals due to a lack of trust in his family members and concerns about the observance of his post-death rites. Being childless and harbouring suspicions about his relatives, Yadav decided to take matters into his own hands, ensuring the proper execution of his last rites.

While alive, he reportedly sold half a bigha of his land to fund the elaborate funeral arrangements, which included feeding more than 700 people and performing the Pind Daan ceremony in Etah. Invitations were sent out through cards for his thirteenth-day ceremony (Tehrvi), where Brahmins were called to conduct rituals and a Havan was performed.

The peculiar act drew widespread attention and discussion throughout the district. According to various media reports, Yadav’s mistrust stemmed from previous conflicts with his brothers and nephews, whom he accused of assaulting him and attempting to seize his land. Disheartened by their alleged indifference towards him while he was alive, Yadav suspected they would neglect the proper execution of his death rituals.

The elderly man’s distrust in his family was such that he took proactive steps, organising his funeral feast and rituals, aiming to ensure that the rites would be carried out as per tradition. His brothers and nephews, who had been accused of land disputes and were reportedly indifferent to him, arrived after his death to claim the body. Despite the unorthodox circumstances, they reportedly ensured the proper observance of his last rites.

The news of Hakim Singh Yadav’s unique approach to his death rituals has left the community in Etah intrigued, initiating discussions about family dynamics, trust, and the lengths one may go to ensure the fulfilment of cultural and religious practices after death.