The Syncretic Goa: Death and beyond

Nilankur Das

Goa has always been a place where cultures and religions come together in harmony, blending seamlessly over time. This identity, shaped by the interplay of Hindu, Muslim, Christian and other traditions, extends beyond its festivals, architecture, and cuisine to its deeply humane approach to life—and now, to the rites that mark its end. A recent effort by Goa’s municipal bodies to establish integrated burial and cremation grounds for all communities reflects this ethos of inclusivity and unity.

At the heart of this initiative lies the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), the oldest civic institution in Asia and a symbol of Goa’s enduring cosmopolitan character. With its roots in the Portuguese era, the CCP has always catered to the multifaceted needs of Panjim, the state’s capital. This latest project—a common burial and cremation ground—embodies the spirit of Goa: respectful of tradition yet forward-looking in addressing the needs of an evolving society.

For centuries, Goa has been a place of interwoven religious and cultural identities. Each community has nurtured its own burial and cremation practices, often in segregated spaces. However, in a world increasingly connected and with families blending traditions, such separations no longer reflect the reality of modern life. The idea of a shared space, where people of all religions can perform final rites, resonates deeply with the state’s ethos of unity.

The CCP’s plan is ambitious yet grounded in practicality. The first phase includes an integrated facility for Hindus, Muslims, and other religions, replacing the existing crematorium and kabrastan at St Inez. The second phase envisions the redevelopment of the Christian cemetery in the same area. This progressive move aims to bridge the gaps between communities and provide a dignified resting place for all, regardless of faith.

The efforts to establish common burial grounds extend beyond Panjim. In South Goa, Ponda has already completed the state’s first such facility. Built within the premises of a Hindu crematorium, it accommodates individuals from all religions. This initiative caters not only to those who belong to minority or marginalised communities but also to individuals whose religious identity might be unknown or fluid.

Plans are underway for similar projects in Mapusa and other regions, with the state government actively encouraging municipal councils to take up this cause. For the 191 panchayats across Goa, where many villages lack crematoriums, cemeteries, or kabrastans, this push is a recommendation, and a moral and statutory obligation. Under the Goa Municipalities Act of 1968, it is the responsibility of municipal councils to provide last rite facilities, ensuring that all citizens are treated with dignity even in death.

Implementing such a vision is not without challenges. While the concept of a common burial ground reflects Goa’s progressive spirit, age-old traditions and community-specific practices may take time to adapt. Many families are deeply attached to their ancestral burial or cremation grounds, where generations of loved ones have been laid to rest. Breaking away from these customs can be a sensitive and emotional decision.

Yet, the potential benefits of such integration cannot be overstated. Common burial grounds can resolve long-standing grievances over access to space for final rites. They can also address the unfortunate instances where individuals have been denied burial due to caste, religion, or sectarian differences. With this inclusive approach, these facilities uphold the fundamental values of equality and dignity.

The Goa Human Rights Commission has also advocated for this cause, highlighting the need for every individual to have equal access to burial and cremation facilities. Their push has brought attention to the gaps in existing infrastructure, where many villages still lack adequate arrangements. The creation of common facilities is a logistical solution and a step toward erasing the divisions that persist even in death.

Goa’s journey toward integrated burial grounds is a reflection of its larger cultural narrative. Historically, the state has been a melting pot where influences from the East and West have blended harmoniously. The confluence of Hindu temples, Christian churches, and Muslim mosques within a few kilometres of each other mirrors this shared heritage.

The proposed legislation to make common burial grounds mandatory across the state marks a turning point. It acknowledges the evolving needs of a society that values its traditions and is unafraid to embrace change. By ensuring that every municipal council and panchayat earmarks land for such facilities, the state government is laying the foundation for a future where inclusivity is a lived reality.

These shared spaces are symbols of humanity’s common journey. In life, as in death, the bonds that unite us are far greater than the differences that divide us. Goa, with its rich history of syncretism, reminds us of this truth in every aspect of its existence, in this world often fractured by division. The integrated burial grounds honour the diverse threads of Goa’s identity while weaving a new narrative of togetherness for future generations.

In the end, these common grounds stand as a poignant reminder: that no matter who we are or where we come from, we all share the same earth, and in its embrace, we find our ultimate unity. Remember, aiz maka, faleam tuka.