Why does Bishnoi community bury their dead like Muslims despite being Hindu?

Bishnoi funeral: Bishnoi community, known for its deep reverence for nature, follows a unique funeral tradition that stands in contrast to many other Hindu customs. Instead of cremating their dead on a pyre, they opt for a burial by digging a pit just like people of the Muslim community despite being Hindu. This practice, referred to as "soil application," is aimed at preserving the environment. The Bishnoi sect was founded in 1485 by Guru Jambheshwar Maharaj, and around 1.3 million Bishnois currently reside in India, with the majority living in Rajasthan and Haryana.

Bishnoi's lead their lives on principles of Guru Jambeshwar Maharaj

Famed for their dedication to wildlife and forest conservation, the Bishnoi community adheres to 29 guiding principles laid down by Guru Jambheshwar Maharaj. Protecting black deer and conserving nature are key elements of their belief system. The Bishnoi sect is a part of Hinduism but with distinct customs that set them apart, particularly when it comes to funeral rites.

Funeral rites focused on environmental protection

In keeping with their environmental focus, Bishnois do not cremate their dead. The reasoning behind this stems from a strong belief in forest conservation. Cremation, which requires wood from trees, is seen as detrimental to the environment. Guru Jambheshwar Maharaj opposed the practice of cremation, stating that it led to deforestation and air pollution. To prevent harm to nature, he introduced the practice of burial, which the community continues to follow.

How does the Bishnoi community bury their dead?

When a Bishnoi passes away, their body is bathed in filtered water mixed with Gangajal (water from the Ganges), following traditional customs. After the bath, the body is wrapped in a cotton shroud, the color of which depends on the individual’s status in life—white for men, red for married women or virgins, black for widows, and saffron for saints. The body is then carried to the burial site, traditionally on the shoulders of the deceased’s son or brother, with mourners walking alongside.

What is the process of burial?

The burial takes place on the land of the deceased, where a pit—called a "home" by the community—is dug. The pit is usually seven feet deep and about two or three feet wide. Once the body is lowered into the grave, it is oriented with the head facing north. A poignant moment in the ceremony occurs when the deceased's son removes the shroud from their face and utters, “This is your house.” Afterward, the body is covered with soil, and the burial is completed by hand.

Final rituals and purification

Following the burial, water is poured over the pit, and millet is sprinkled on top. The family members who carried the body then take a bath directly over the burial site. Other mourners bathe nearby, change their clothes, and return home to complete the final rites. In a ritual called Kagol, the barber shaves the heads of the male family members, a process referred to as "Khijmat Khunti." This completes the funeral ceremony.

Bishnoi customs, especially their funeral practices, are rooted in simplicity and environmental responsibility. These customs have come into the spotlight recently with discussions about notorious figures like Lawrence Bishnoi. However, the true essence of Bishnoi rituals lies in their timeless commitment to nature, passed down from Guru Jambheshwar Maharaj’s teachings. The Bishnoi sect continues to uphold their traditions, ensuring minimal environmental impact while honoring their dead.