If there is one thing India has mastered, it is storytelling. And when it comes to death? Oh boy, do we have stories! With thousands of years of history, India’s relationship with death is as complex as it is fascinating.
Let’s take a little stroll (don’t worry, metaphorically—no haunted alleyways involved) through the urban mythology and death rituals that shape how India views the great beyond.
First stop: Varanasi.
If India had a VIP entrance to the afterlife, this would be it. Known as the “City of Death,” Varanasi sits along the sacred Ganges River, where the ultimate goal for devout Hindus is to be cremated and have their ashes scattered in its waters. Why? This guarantees moksha—aka, skipping the endless reincarnation cycle and heading straight to spiritual liberation. No respawns, no second chances—just eternal peace.
Now, if you think Varanasi is all doom and gloom, think again! The city is brimming with life. Pilgrims, mystics, and everyday folks all coexist in this space where funeral pyres burn 24/7. It’s a paradox, really—death is everywhere, yet the city is lively, bustling, and full of color. It’s as if Varanasi is whispering, “Hey, death’s just part of the journey, so why not enjoy the ride?”
Of course, where there is death, there are ghosts. And let me tell you, India has some absolute classics.
Ever heard of the Chudail?
She’s the Indian version of the banshee—usually depicted as a vengeful female spirit with backward feet (yes, you read that right). Legend has it, that she preys on men wandering alone at night. If you ever hear anklets jingling behind you in a deserted alley, maybe don’t turn around.
Then there’s Bhangarh Fort, often dubbed India’s most haunted place. Legend has it that a sorcerer, obsessed with a princess, tried to bewitch her with dark magic. But his plan backfired—literally. Now, the entire fort is said to be cursed, and entry after sunset is strictly forbidden. Officially. By the government. Because even they don’t want to mess with whatever’s lurking there.
In India, death isn’t the end—it’s just a change of address for the soul. Whether it’s the sacred rites of Varanasi, the eerie myths of wandering spirits, or the deep-rooted rituals that ensure a proper send-off, death in India is as much about living as it is about leaving.
So next time you hear an anklet jingle behind you at night? Just walk a little faster—because you never know who’s following.
Author: Pavani Mishra