Death, the ultimate equaliser, is traditionally met with solemnity and respect in most cultures. Yet in recent years, particularly in Bihar, the lines between mourning and celebration have become increasingly blurred. A viral video capturing a funeral procession in Bihar, where a DJ blares Bhojpuri music and bar dancers perform, raises critical questions about the evolving nature of funeral rituals. Is this a meaningful celebration of life, or has the dignity of death been lost in a spectacle of modern excess?
Traditionally, funeral rites have been about honouring the deceased with grace, offering a final farewell to the soul on its journey to the afterlife. While some cultures may include music and festivities in this process, there is usually an undercurrent of respect. In Bihar, however, what was once a ceremonial goodbye has seemingly morphed into a garish display of entertainment. The video, shared by @Gulzar_sahab on X, depicts a funeral procession where not only a DJ plays Bhojpuri music, but bar dancers lead the way—dancing energetically as if at a festival rather than a funeral.
What once might have been an expression of joy for a life well-lived now appears to be a celebration without boundaries. The question arises: has the meaning of death become trivialised in the pursuit of amusement?
"Only in Bihar": A Tradition or a Travesty?
The video, which has amassed over 10,000 views, has left many online users bewildered. Comments like “This could only happen in Bihar” reflect not just amusement but also disbelief. For a society that once balanced celebration and mourning with careful dignity, such a display comes across as more of a spectacle than a tribute. One could argue that the modern interpretation of celebrating death in Bihar has deviated far from cultural roots. In their pursuit of joy, have Biharis lost sight of the sanctity of the event?
While some users remarked that celebrating a full life is a tradition in their region, even they might agree that bar dancers and DJs in a funeral procession push the boundaries of taste and propriety. Such practices risk diluting the cultural values that have long defined the funeral process.
The inclusion of bar dancers and a DJ in a funeral procession could be seen as part of a growing trend where even sacred rituals are becoming commodified for the sake of entertainment. In a time where spectacle often trumps substance, has the process of mourning been hijacked by a thirst for attention and novelty? In such cases, the deeper meaning behind these rites, which are supposed to offer closure and reflect on the transience of life, is at risk of being overshadowed by shallow displays.
Losing Dignity in the Face of Death
Funerals, regardless of cultural variations, should ideally offer a space for reflection, respect, and closure. The viral video from Bihar stands as a stark reminder that some boundaries should not be crossed, even in the name of celebration. A funeral procession that includes dancers and a DJ, no matter how well-intentioned, seems to rob the event of the dignity it deserves.
