How do you want your funeral?

Have you planned your funeral?

Sure, that's an odd question. Perhaps, even a little distasteful. But a Lower Parel-based funeral planning agency wants you be prepared for your last journey.

The standee advertisement by Sukhant Funeral Management on bookings for funeral service was set up outside the Aaji Ajoba Udyan in Shivaji Park

The company, Sukhant Funeral Management, put up a standee advertisement outside the Aaji Ajoba Udyan in Shivaji Park recently, offering pre-bookings on last rites.

The service is aimed at those without families and friends, and those who are uncertain of whether their children would be able to arrange their funerals.

The funeral services, starting at R15,000, can be customised. If one wants his/her body to be carried out in a procession on truck, or wants the pyre to be made of sandalwood, the rates go up. The agency even offers the option to manage the minute details, like whether the wake should be held in an air-conditioned hall and who should be invited for it.

It, however, offers funerals only as per Hindu customs. All payments have to be made at one go.

Just like a will
Mahesh Chavan from the agency claimed that pre-booking one's funeral is no different from preparing a will.

"We have put up banners across Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai. We recently put one up in Shivaji Park. When people plan for everything, why not this as well? It's like a will. Whatever they write in the form, we fulfil them."

The agency takes care of all the last rites - right from claiming the body to lighting the pyre. Relatives can be part of the funeral if they are keen on it.

Chavan claimed that the agency has been offering these special services for years and has conducted 130 such funerals. He, however, refused to divulge the number of bookings made.

‘Good idea'
Many residents of Shivaji Park see the merit in planning one's funeral. Suraj Dalvi, who was taking a walk near the Aaji Ajoba Udyan, said such services can be a boon to many. "I don't think I will need such a service. But there are many people who do not have many relatives. Such a service can put their mind at ease."

Another walker, Prakash Bastikar, is sure that his son would take care of his last rites.

"The service may sound insensitive, but those who live alone or don't have anyone can make use of it," he suggested.