Manjula died just before 11am on Saturday 23rd March of a heart attack. I’m asked if there were any last words. Not as such, we had in fact not been able to discuss the situation and what to do.
I’d complained that since the night before she hadn’t shared one of her beautiful smiles. So she obliged and gave me a smile and a giggle. Not her usual standard or the right circumstances but exactly what was required. My lasting memory amongst millions.
As a dutiful husband and with our closest friends we’ve now by Wednesday fulfilled what’s required for her Hindu faith.
We’ve helped continue the process of being released from this body and to go to the next.
On Saturday we brought her home, laid Manjula out on the Divan that’s been her bed for for the past year.
Family and friends gathered to say farewell.
Next day, Sunday, Manjula was taken to the crematorium and finally to the auspicious river Kaveri to immerse her ashes on the Monday.
This is the ritual called Asthi Virsarjan more info here
We will be certain to do more …..
My thanks to all our friends for making this horrendously difficult time slightly more manageable.
Thank you to Faizan for creating this wonderful video
Me and MYCycle 
A very lovely piece and video. X
Sent from my iPhone
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Thanks so much for sharing this moment at the ghats. Very moving. Been reading about the mourning rituals and understanding the importance of these rituals for both the mourners and the deceased. Remembering seeing this ritual at Sirangapatnam and not thinking at the time I would be seeing you having to go through the same sad process. Such a brave thing to be able to share with your friends, many thanks.
Beautiful video, thanks for sharing x
Beautiful ceremony ❤
Beautiful and incredibly humbling…. I’m so sorry for your loss and so happy that we all loved her so much.
Thankyou, Stephen, for sharing this deeply moving and personal moment with us.
You are both in my heart.
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