By Our Reporter
In Hindu tradition, death is not seen as an end but a transition to another stage of the soul’s journey. Central to this belief is the ritual of immersing the ashes of the deceased in a sacred water body—a practice known as “asthi visarjan.” This ancient rite is deeply symbolic and spiritually significant, and it continues to be widely observed in Hindu communities around the world, including in Uganda, where Lake Victoria serves as a local substitute for India’s holy rivers.
According to Hindu scriptures, after cremation, the ashes and bone fragments of the departed should be immersed in a sacred river, preferably the Ganges, to aid the soul in attaining moksha—liberation from the cycle of rebirth. However, when it is not possible to travel to India, local lakes and rivers, when consecrated through prayer, are considered acceptable alternatives.
In recent years, Hindu families in Uganda have carried out this sacred ritual on the serene shores of Lake Victoria. One such ceremony took place today when Rajiv Ruparelia’s ashes were laid to rest in the lake, in a quiet, emotional gathering attended by his family and close friends. The moment was marked by traditional chants, floral offerings, and the release of the ashes into the water, symbolizing a return to the elements.
“The immersion of ashes in a natural water body signifies the soul’s merging with the universe,” explained Pandit Ravi Shankar, a Hindu priest based in Kampala. “Water is considered a purifier in Hinduism. The flow of the river or lake carries the soul onward on its spiritual path.”
The ritual typically begins with a brief ceremony led by a Hindu priest. The family of the deceased gathers near the water’s edge with the urn containing the ashes. Sacred hymns from the Vedas are recited, and offerings of flowers, rice, and sandalwood are made. The ashes are then gently immersed in the water as prayers are offered for the soul’s peace.
While the spiritual importance of this practice remains unchanged, the environmental impact has become a topic of concern in some places. In India, where millions of such immersions occur annually, authorities have issued guidelines to ensure that materials used in the rituals do not pollute water bodies. In Uganda, Hindu leaders are also encouraging environmentally responsible practices while preserving the sacredness of the ritual.
For the families involved, the immersion of ashes brings a sense of closure and peace. It allows them to say a final goodbye, while also fulfilling religious obligations believed to help the soul of the departed find eternal rest.
In a world of changing traditions and modern lifestyles, the ritual of asthi visarjan continues to hold powerful emotional and spiritual value. Whether in the Ganges or Lake Victoria, the water remains a symbol of life, death, and the eternal flow of the soul.
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