A 13-year-old girl in Hyderabad died last week after fasting for 68 days as per Jain rituals during the holy period of ‘Chaumasa’.Aaradhana, a class 8 student, was admitted to the hospital just two days after completing her fast where she died of cardiac arrest, the family said.
Thousands attended Aradhana’s funeral hailing her as a ‘bal tapasvi’. The funeral procession was called a ‘shobha yatra’ – a mark of celebration.
Aaradhana’s family runs a jewellery business and has a shop in the Pot Bazaar area of Secunderabad. Questions are being raised why they allowed her to give up school and sit on a fast.
”It has been a practice for people to undertake severe penance when they give up even food and water. They are glorified, lauded and honoured at community meetings by the religious elders. They are also showered with gifts. But in this case it was a minor and that is my objection,” said Lata Jain, a member of the community. ”This is suicide if not murder,” she added.Aaradhana had earlier undertaken a similar fast for 41 days and survived.
Everyone knew Aaradhana was fasting. They came and took selfies with her. Now some people are pointing fingers at us for allowing her to fast for 68 days,” Aradhana’s grandfather, Manekchand Samdhariya said.
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Minister for Excise , Padma Rao , was the chief guest at grand event for ‘Paarana’- the completion of fast. Zaheerabad MP BB Patil was also present here in some religious functions.
According to Jain religious leaders, Santhara is usually meant for elderly people, who have lived their life and want renunciation.It is not for the youngsters of this age. Some child rights activists say minors should not be allowed to this and that the Government must take action.
