Bharti Chauhan
Independent Researcher
India
Abstract
This manuscript explores the transformation of death rituals among urban middle-class families in India. Drawing upon semi-structured interviews, participant observations, and thematic analysis of thirty households in metropolitan settings, the study investigates how modernization, time constraints, and shifting belief systems have reshaped traditional funerary practices. The findings reveal a marked privatization of ceremonies, increased reliance on professional service providers, and selective retention of symbolic elements.
While families strive to honor ancestral customs, practical considerations—such as urban living spaces, work commitments, and economic factors—have driven adaptations in ritual scale, duration, and public participation. The study highlights the tension between maintaining cultural continuity and accommodating contemporary lifestyles, offering insights into the evolving social significance of death rites and their role in identity negotiation among urban middle-class Indians.
Key words
death rituals; urban middle class; modernization; cultural adaptation; India
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