In Konchi village of Guraru block in Gaya district, 74-year-old former Air Force veteran Mohanlal held his own funeral procession while still alive. Dressed on a flower-adorned bier, he was carried to the local cremation ground amid the sounds of band music and people chanting “Ram Naam Satya Hai”. The atmosphere was made even more poignant by the tune of “Chal ud ja re panchhi, ab desh hua begana” playing in the background.
Hundreds of people attended the unusual procession after Mohanlal personally invited everyone while he was alive. Upon reaching the cremation ground, he rose from the bier, and a symbolic effigy was burned in his place. The rituals were carried out according to all customary norms, and the ashes were later immersed in a nearby river. Mohanlal also arranged a communal meal for all attendees.
Speaking about the event, Mohanlal said he wanted to witness his own final journey. “When a person dies, they cannot see who attends their funeral. I wanted to experience this myself and understand how much respect and love people have for me,” he explained.
Mohanlal is known in the village for his social contributions. Observing the difficulties faced during cremations in the rainy season, he used his pension to build a well-equipped cremation ground in the village. Villagers described his initiative as a source of inspiration for the entire area.
Mohanlal has two sons, Dr. Deepak Kumar, a doctor in Kolkata, and Vishw Prakash, a school teacher, along with a daughter, Gudiya Kumari, who lives in Dhanbad. His wife, Jeevan Jyoti, passed away 14 years ago. Mohanlal continues to support social initiatives using his pension.
