Vidisha family performs daughter’s ‘funeral’ after she elopes with lover:Effigy burnt at cremation ground; father says, ‘Her decision shattered the family’

In a deeply emotional incident from Vidisha, a family declared their daughter dead after she eloped with her lover and married him secretly. Unable to accept her decision, the family made an effigy, took out a funeral procession through the city, and performed her last rites at the cremation ground. Incident from Chuna Wali Gali The incident took place in Chuna Wali Gali area of Vidisha. The family involved is the Kushwah family, whose 23-year-old daughter Kavita suddenly left home. After Kavita went missing, her family searched nearby areas. They also checked with relatives, but no information was found. Elopement and secret marriage revealed A few days later, the family learned that Kavita had gone away with her lover. They were also told that she had married him secretly. On receiving this information, the Kushwah family was deeply shocked. Family members locked themselves inside the house. They struggled to come to terms with the situation. See, 4 pictures – Relatives console the family After the incident became known, relatives contacted the family. They tried to comfort them and offered emotional support. After speaking with relatives, the family took a painful decision. They decided to consider Kavita dead and perform her last rites symbolically. Effigy made from flour On Friday, the Kushwah family gathered relatives and community members. They made an effigy of Kavita using flour and placed it on a decorated bier. Funeral procession through the city With music and ceremonial arrangements, the family took out a funeral procession. The procession passed through several squares and intersections of Vidisha. Family members and local youths carried the bier on their shoulders. Rituals at the cremation ground After reaching the cremation ground, the family arranged the pyre. All rituals were performed according to tradition. The effigy was then set on fire as part of the last rites. Brother speaks of broken dreams Kavita’s brother, Rajesh Kushwaha, said the family had raised her with great care. He said she was educated with high hopes and all her wishes were fulfilled. He added that by leaving the family, she had shattered their dreams. He said the funeral symbolised the end of the family’s aspirations. Father calls it life’s saddest moment Kavita’s father, Rambabu Kushwaha, spoke while in tears. He said the family was completely broken by his daughter’s decision. He described it as the most painful moment of his life.