The Hindu Community in Tsirang now has access to a proper crematorium with essential facilities. The newly constructed facility at Gosarling Gewog is designed to be both convenient and environmentally friendly. In the past, followers of Hindu faith in the district had been cremating their loved ones in open space in the area often causing discomfort and environmental concerns.
Located at the base of Gosarling Gewog along the Changchey stream, the new crematorium is centrally located for all 12 gewogs in the district. The facility accommodates two cremations at a time. It has a well-furnished shelter and toilet facilities offering protection from heat and monsoon rains.
Three private individuals in the district have donated chairs and landscaping works in the area.
A key feature is a filtration tank that traps unburned logs, bones and charcoal. It helps to release only the treated wastewater from the crematorium into the stream.
Ram Bdr. Karki, Gosarling Gup said, “In our Hindu culture, cremations are traditionally performed near rivers or streams. But in the past, in absence of a proper crematorium we had difficulty for both deceased’s family members and posed environmental concerns. This is because people used to dispose unburned woods directly into the stream.”
The Gosarling Gewog Administration led the project spending over Nu 2.2 M. Kilkhorthang, Semjong and Tsholingkhar gewogs also provided additional financial support of Nu 1.4 M.
Til Bdr. Limbu, Dzamlingthang Tshogpa of Gosarling Gewog said, “These days Hindu followers visiting the crematorium have expressed deep gratitude for the newly established crematorium. They say, it is convenient and has been benefiting them a lot during difficult times.”
Goma Pradhan, a resident said, “Earlier, cremations in open-air space was inconvenient especially when it rained. There was no proper place to sit and eat. But the new crematorium has all basic amenities including chairs and electricity.”
Prithi Lal Bista, another resident said, “The area used to be scary and unsafe towards the evening due to lack of proper lighting. But now, with the government’s support the issue has been addressed. However, the access road to the crematorium still needs improvement.”
The Gosarling Gewog Administration has already awarded the blacktopping work for the 1.3-kilometre road and there are plans to construct a kitchen.
Fruit trees have been planted at the crematorium compound with more beautification works underway.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Kipchu
