Former finance minister Arun Jaitley will be cremated at Nigambodh Ghat on Sunday. The BJP leader passed away at AIIMS Delhi on Saturday after a prolonged illness.
Jaitley's mortal remains were taken to his residence and then to the Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters for party workers and the public to pay their last respects. In the afternoon, his body will be taken to Nigambodh Ghat, where his last rites will be performed.
Nigambodh Ghat crematorium
Nigambodh Ghat, located on the banks of the river Yamuna behind the Red Fort, is known to be the oldest crematorium in Delhi. It also happens to be busiest with at least 50 to 60 cremations being done here every day.
The name ‘Nigambodh’ translates to ‘realisation of knowledge’. Legend has it that Lord Brahma bathed in this ghat and recovered his memory and knowledge of sacred books, thus “realising” his knowledge.
Facilities
[File] Last rites performed at Nigambodh Ghat | via Twitter
The crematorium has facilities including an electric and CNG-run crematorium, AC buses, buggy service, waiting rooms and information and support centre among others. The place had previously received a bad reputation for its poor conditions and a scam for charging a special fee for cremating bodies. However, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi undertook the management of the crematorium to give it an overall upgrade, including beautification of Nigambodh Ghat.
Most services at Nigambodh Ghat are provided for free. The only charges incurred here are for the wood used for cremation, CNG and transportation. The poor, however, are exempted from all charges. The crematorium is run mostly on donations.
Prominent personalities cremated
Former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dixit, who passed away on July 20 this year, was cremated at Nigambodh Ghat.
Sunder Singh Bhandari, founder of Bharatiya Jan Sangh, Jan Sangh leader Deendayal Upadhyaya and former vice president Krishan Kant were also cremated here.
