Patna: A major initiative is being undertaken to provide dignified and well-equipped cremation services in Bihar, with the support of the Isha Foundation. The project aims to modernize cremation grounds and ensure respectful last rites for the deceased with improved infrastructure and streamlined services.
The initiative has already begun at Bans Ghat in Patna, where modern facilities have been developed for funeral services, and similar upgrades are planned across multiple cities in the state.
Modern Facilities Introduced at Patna’s Bans Ghat Cremation Ground
The cremation ground at Bans Ghat in Patna, spread over 4.5 acres, has been developed with modern amenities under the initiative of the foundation.
Key features include:
- Seating arrangements with air-conditioned halls for grieving families
- Clean drinking water and improved sanitation facilities
- Dedicated spaces for performing last rites rituals
- Facilities to conduct multiple cremations simultaneously (up to 18 bodies at a time)
The site is also considered one of the largest cremation grounds in Asia and is described as the first modernized cremation facility in eastern India.
“Kal Bhairav Mandapam” and Religious Infrastructure Planned
A major spiritual installation is planned at the site, including:
- An 8-foot statue of Kal Bhairav
- A dedicated “Kal Bhairav Mandapam” for conducting last rites rituals before cremation
Two artificial ponds filled with Ganga water have also been developed—one for bathing rituals and another for immersion of ashes, as the river is now located several kilometers away.
Shift Toward Eco-Friendly Cremation: Gas-Based Furnaces to Be Introduced
Currently, Bans Ghat has:
- 6 wood-based furnaces
- 4 electric furnaces
- 8 open cremation platforms
Within the next 15 days, gas-based cremation furnaces will be introduced to provide a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative. These systems are expected to reduce pollution and lower operational costs.
Standardized Fees and Volunteer Support System
A structured fee system has been introduced for cremation services:
- ₹3,500 standard cremation cost
- ₹500 for Dom Raja services
- ₹250 for priest services
- ₹150 for barber services
- Additional charges apply for wood-based cremations
Trained volunteers from the foundation—many originally from Tamil Nadu—are also assisting grieving families by managing rituals and providing emotional support. Some volunteers reportedly left professional careers, including engineering jobs, to join the service initiative.
Expansion Plan: Modern Cremation Grounds in Multiple Cities
The Bihar government has planned to extend similar modern cremation facilities across several cities, including:
- Digha Ghat (Patna)
- Begusarai (Simariya Ghat)
- Bhagalpur
- Gaya
- Saharsa
- Chhapra
Digha Ghat is expected to be developed into an LPG-based modern cremation facility. The initiative is being implemented under an agreement between the state government and the foundation’s outreach arm.
Government Agreement and Policy Support
In 2025, the Bihar Cabinet approved the development of cremation grounds in six cities in collaboration with the foundation. A formal agreement was signed in June 2025 between the government and the foundation’s outreach division, enabling modernization work to begin across selected sites.
Social Impact Model: Free Services for Underprivileged Families
The foundation has been operating cremation services for over 15 years in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where it manages more than 30 cremation centers. More than 125,000 cremations have reportedly been conducted through its modern facilities.
The organization also provides free cremation services for families living below the poverty line, a model that may be extended to Bihar in the future.
Sadhguru’s First Bihar Visit and Public Interaction
Founder of the Sadhguru is scheduled to visit Bihar for the first time from June 26 to June 28.
During the visit:
- He will meet Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on June 26
- Interact with senior state officials
- Address a public gathering at Bapu Sabhagar near Gandhi Maidan on June 27
- Participate in other events before returning on June 28
Foundation representatives described the visit as a significant milestone, coinciding with the expansion of cremation infrastructure projects in the state.
Focus on Dignified and Modern Last Rites Services
The initiative aims to combine traditional rituals with modern infrastructure to ensure dignity, cleanliness, and efficiency in cremation services. Officials and the foundation emphasize that the objective is to provide respectful last rites while improving accessibility and environmental standards across Bihar.
