Feb 9 • 10:23 UTC 🇮🇳 India Aaj Tak (Hindi)

Last Rites for Pet Dog, Family Shaves Heads and Holds Thirteenth-Feast

A family in Agra, India, held a ceremonial thirteenth feast after the death of their pet dog, honoring it similarly to a family member.

In Agra, Uttar Pradesh, a unique and emotional incident unfolded after a family performed last rites for their beloved pet dog, highlighting the deep bond between humans and animals. After the passing of their dog named 'Tilakdhari Tiger' due to illness, the family organized a traditional thirteenth-day ceremony, akin to mourning rituals for a human family member. They conducted a havan (fire ritual) in front of a large picture of the dog and invited 13 priests to perform the necessary rites, followed by a feast known as Brahm Bhoj where donations and offerings were made, garnering significant local attention.

The dog, Tiger, passed away on January 28, leaving the family in profound grief as they considered him more than just a pet. For the past 14 years, he had been a part of their daily lives, treated like a son in the household. Ghanshyam Dixit, a family member, recounted that they brought Tiger from Delhi when he was just a pup, and over the years, he had formed an inseparable bond with the family.

The incident has sparked conversations in the local community about the emotional connections people can form with their pets and the importance of the rituals performed even for animals, reflecting changing perspectives on the status of pets within families. This family's actions serve as a testament to the love and respect they had for Tiger, showcasing how pets can occupy a significant place in human lives, deserving of similar honors as family members in death.

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