Why food and drinks are no longer allowed at Clare Estate Hindu Crematorium
The private Clare Estate Umgeni Hindu Crematorium
Image: Sibusiso Ndlovu
THE Clare Estate Hindu Crematorium management says they have prioritised, safety, sustainability, legal compliance and scriptural correctness.
The crematorium's management were responding to social media posts from individuals expressing concerns, as well as what management claim are posts that are misleading and defamatory.
This was after management issued a public notice to all mourners with new prohibitions.
The rules, now prominently displayed on the crematorium premises, prohibits a range of activities including improper conduct, alcohol, loitering, vandalism, eating or serving of outside cooked food, firearms, littering, animals, public urination, and live-streaming or video recording.
The crematorium’s management said the new rules were enforced after increasing incidents of disruptive, disrespectful, and unlawful conduct on the premises.
Pradeep Ramlall, chairperson of the crematorium society, said they were not stopping people from eating homemade snacks, rolls, sandwiches and refreshments, but will not allow outside-cooked meals, buffet set-ups, or large-scale food distribution.
"While “annadaan” is a noble act, Hindu scriptures do not mandate that food distribution must occur inside or at the site of cremation. What we saw happening was families bringing pots of cooked food such as breyani, dhal, salad, cooldrinks and savouries, as if it was a picnic area.
"Livestreaming inside a public crematorium requires regulation and law. Only authorised service providers trained in our protocols will be allowed. This protects the sanctity of the space and decorum and the rights of all users," said Ramlall.
He said the term loitering was not meant to insult mourners but to prevent groups of people from blocking entrances, crowds gathering in walkways, disorderly behaviour, disruption to other families and vehicle movement.
"The crematorium is a shared sacred space, and families must not be inconvenienced by congestion or noise," said Ramlall.
Professor Brij Maharaj, deputy president of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha said the recent enforcement, particularly the ban on the consumption of food and alcohol, as commendable, necessary and timely.
“These measures aim to restore the dignity and sanctity of Hindu funeral observances, which are intended to be solemn, dignified, sacred, and spiritual occasions rather than social gatherings. Introducing feasting, the serving of alcohol, or any form of entertainment, detracts from the sanctity and purpose of the rituals. Funerals must be conducted with utmost respect, restraint, and adherence to scriptural principles.
"Regrettably, in recent years, funerals particularly among the affluent, have increasingly become opportunities for the ostentatious exhibition of wealth. What should be a moment of solemn reflection and reverence has, in some instances, been transformed into a social occasion, undermining the very scriptural principles upon which Hindu funeral rites are founded," said Maharaj.
The Andhra Maha Sabha of South Africa (AMSSA) in a statement confirmed that they support all Hindu funeral rites, annadaan, livestreaming for overseas family, ritual décor and respectful facilities for mourners.
"These are sacred and must be protected. We acknowledge the community’s concerns and agree that transparent, respectful dialogue with the Crematorium Board is necessary.
"AMSSA supports a peaceful meeting to address these issues and ensure the crematorium serves all Hindu families with dignity, as intended by our forefathers," read the statement.