Symbolic funerals held for flood victims lost in Nepal

Many families in Nepal have given up hope of finding their loved ones alive who went missing in last week's devastating floods. With no trace found even after a long time, relatives are performing symbolic last rites as a formal mourning ritual, assuming them to be dead.

In Nuwakot, one of the worst-hit areas, several families have completed symbolic last rites for their missing relatives. Cremation is an important funeral ritual in Hindu tradition. Even without the body, performing this ritual symbolically has become a means of mental and spiritual solace for many families.

Mukunda Rijal, a resident of Nuwakot, said several of his cousins and their daughters are still missing. As the chances of finding them alive are slim, the family has completed their symbolic last rites.

At one such symbolic cremation on the banks of the Trishuli River, a priest created several effigies with straw to represent the missing persons. Small piles of wood were then placed over them and set ablaze. Around the symbolic pyre, various items were placed as offerings to the deities according to Hindu rituals. Relatives also took part in completing the funeral rites.

Meanwhile, some foreign tourists who were on the missing list after the floods have been traced. Officials said several of them have recently contacted authorities via email and phone.

Nepal Tourism Board spokesperson Sunil Sharma said at least five more foreign tourists listed as missing have contacted authorities via email or phone in the past few days. The process of updating the previous missing list is also being carried out.