Breaking traditions: Daughters perform final rites of Trinidad's Ex-PM Basdeo Panday

In an exemplary move, the daughters of Basdeo Panday performed the final rites of their father, according to his wish. Basdeo Panday is the former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago who passed away on January 1, 2024, at the age of 90.

However, it is not common for females, specifically daughters to perform the last rituals in the Hindu culture.

The Former PM's daughters Mickela, Vastala, Niala and Nicola broke the tradition of a male performing the final rites of the parents. They took the lit torches, some crying, some stoic, and they did their duty for their father.

Children, State Officials and other dignitaries gathered outside the Southern Academy for the Performing Arts (SAPA) in the blistering heat to participate in the funeral of former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday. While some cried, moved by the tributes of his family, others happily recounted his wit, humour and joyous memories.

Hundreds and thousands of people who joined the funeral on Tuesday were shocked and in tears when Basdeo Panday's oldest daughter, Mickela, lighted the pyre while doing the final rites for her father. Her sisters accompanied her in the final cremation ritual.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIQVhgyMwhU

As per the rituals, the final cremation, the burning of the body, is said to be done by a male relative as people believe that the soul only achieves "moksha," which is freedom from the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth when a male performs that ritual.

Despite these made-up rituals and traditions, Panday's daughters have set an example for the world. Although Trinidad and Tobago is a small island nation, this step has set a primary illustration for the world, showcasing the girls' love for their father.

This move has also showcased that a father's love is the same for both son and daughter, and the duty of performing his final rites should be irrespective of gender.

Several people on social media supported this decision, and some females even said that they would have also done the same, as rituals do not matter when it comes to loved ones. "This isn't breaking tradition. I've seen daughters do it when a son isn't present. I would've done the same; there's no tradition when it comes to a loved one. Hindu wives aren't allowed at the cremation either, but we live in modern times. We practice the tradition, but when necessary, it should be welcome to adjustments," wrote a user named Nesa Bany.

Another user named Vena said that she had also asked her daughters to perform her last rites despite the fact that she also has a son. "I have a son and three daughters, and I have given my daughters instructions to do my final rites together with my son and grandson," she outlined.

"Instead of "break tradition" couldn't we say, "make history" - much like their father. And daughters are as much lineage and honour, if not more, as a son," said another user named Nirups.

Basdeo Panday was a figure of profound significance in Trinidad and Tobago's history. His leadership and contributions left an indelible mark on our nation.

As a dedicated trade unionist, he tirelessly fought for the rights of workers, advocating for fair labour practices and improved working conditions.

As a fearless freedom fighter, he stood up for justice and equality, challenging the status quo and striving for a better society, and as a dedicated politician, he served as Prime Minister, dedicating decades to public service and shaping the course of our nation's development.

His legacy is profound, not only in the policies he championed but also in the hearts and minds of the people he inspired. He steered the nation through economic turbulence, championed education and healthcare, and laid the foundation for a more inclusive future.