The Last Goodbye Interrupted; When Funeral Programmes Go On Too Long

The arrival of a newborn baby is a joyous occasion, celebrated with great fervour by family and friends. In contrast, when a loved one departs this world, the community comes together to pay their last respects and bid a final farewell to the departed soul.

However, in our Naga community, funeral practices often contradict the sentiments of the mourners. Despite a full turnout, the inclusion of multiple eulogy speakers often leads to a dwindling crowd as the programme drags on. Mourners lose patience and slowly leave, resulting in a sparse attendance for the final farewell prayer and the last ride to the cemetery. This is particularly disheartening in the funerals of rich, high-profiled, and renowned individuals, where many people gather to pay their respects. The departed soul deserves a sendoff that is a fitting tribute to their life. A grand farewell, where loved ones can come together to pay their respects, share their memories, and bid a final adieu, is what the deceased deserves.

To achieve this, we need to rethink our funeral practices and prioritise simplicity and dignity. A short and sweet programme would allow mourners to pay their respects and bid farewell collectively, rather than dispersing prematurely. By limiting the number of eulogy speakers and keeping the programme concise, we can create a more meaningful and dignified experience for the bereaved family and the departed soul.

As we gather to bid farewell to our loved ones, let us focus on allowing mourners to pay their respects with dignity and honour. By adopting a more streamlined and heartfelt approach to funeral practices, we can ensure that our farewell ceremonies are a fitting tribute to the deceased, and a source of comfort for those left behind.

In conclusion, we should shorten funeral programmes with limited eulogy speakers and let the mourners bid farewell to the deceased. This will be more meaningful for the mourners than leaving the funeral prematurely due to a prolonged programme. By doing so, we can ensure that our farewell ceremonies are a fitting tribute to the deceased, and a source of comfort for the bereaved family. For, it's indeed heartbreaking to see a crowded funeral dwindle down to just a few mourners towards the end.

H. Akato Sema