Daijiworld Media Network - Kaup

Kaup, Jan 25: In a remarkable display of communal harmony, a Muslim family assisted in the cremation of a Hindu woman who had been living with them for 75 years. The incident took place in Mallaru near Kaup.

Janaki Poojary, a Hindu woman who had lived as a member of Muslim man Rafeeq's household, passed away on January 21 due to health issues. Her cremation was performed on Wednesday according to Hindu customs with the support of Rafeeq's family and assistance from the local Hindu community.

Janaki Poojary

Janaki, originally from Udyavara and in her 90s, had lived with Rafeeq's family since the demise of her husband, who had been a close friend of Rafeeq's father. After her husband’s death, Janaki moved to Mumbai and became part of Rafeeq’s family, assisting them with household work and living as one of their own. Though Janaki had family members of her own, none maintained contact with her. Her only son, after marriage, lived separately.

In 1980, Rafeeq’s family moved from Mumbai to Kukkatte in Udupi, and Janaki continued to live with them. Even after the family relocated to Mallaru Garadi Ward a decade ago, she stayed with them until her final days. Rafeeq’s family cared for Janaki during her old age, reciprocating the love and care she had shown them during their childhood.

After Janaki’s passing, her son and granddaughter arrived to pay their last respects. Honoring the wishes of Rafeeq and his brother Abdul Khader, the cremation was conducted at the Kaup crematorium under the leadership of Ramesh Poojary Mallaru and Surie Shetty Kaup. Her son, Shekhar Vithal, lit the funeral pyre.

The ceremony was attended by Kaup municipal councilor Harinakshi Devadiga, member Shailesh Amin, Rafeeq, Abdul Khader, Ravi Achari, Narayan, Sukumar, Sandesh, Padooru Babu Kundar, Shakeel, Qasim Sahib, Noor, and others.

Following Hindu traditions, the post-funeral rituals, including the Tilaahoma ceremony, were performed by her son by the seaside. Rafeeq’s family expressed their desire to host a meal near their home as part of the ceremonies, stressing the bond they shared with Janaki.