Sundergarh: A family in Sundergarh showcased their profound love and affection for their pet parrot by performing its death rituals according to Hindu traditions. Biswajit Pujari’s family, residing near Ramji Mandir at Mahadevpada in Sundergarh town, had developed an extraordinary bond with the parrot over 28 years.
Besides his parents and children, the beloved bird, ‘Kunu,’ was an integral part of Pujari family. In 1996, the parrot flew into their home, took some food, and returned the next day, Biswajit recalled. After a few days, it chose to stay, becoming a cherished family member.
“It was like my child. We never confined it to a cage; it roamed freely in our house,” he added.
On September 15, Kunu passed away, leaving the family devastated. To bid a ritualistic farewell, they organized a 10-day death ritual as per Hindu customs.
“We performed its death rituals as per Hindu rites. I performed the Asthi Visarjan (immersion of ashes) in sacred Vedvyas in Rourkela and hosted a community feast (Ganga Bhoji) at Ramji Mandir,” Biswajit added.
Neighbours were touched by the family’s unconditional love for the bird. “It was a unique display of human-bird love. Titu Bhai’s (Biswajit) family was heartbroken after the parrot’s demise, having lived as a permanent family member,” said Ajay Panda, a neighbour.
“The parrot was like Shuka, son of Vyasadev,” added he.
