Ratan Tata’s Last Journey: Changing Parsi Traditions as Cremation at Worli Gains Popularity

Ratan Tata, the iconic leader of the Tata Group, passed away at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on October 9, 2024, at the age of 86. Tata, known for his visionary leadership and commitment to social causes, transformed the Tata Group into a global conglomerate and touched millions of lives. The Maharashtra government has announced a state funeral to honor his legacy.

A Final Journey to NCPA for Public Tributes

On Thursday morning, Ratan Tata’s body was transported from his residence in a hearse adorned with white flowers to the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in south Mumbai. From 10 am to 3:30 pm, the public was given the opportunity to pay their final respects to the beloved industrialist. His last rites are set to take place at Mumbai’s Worli Crematorium at 4 pm.

Funeral Marks a Shift in Parsi Traditions

Ratan Tata’s funeral at Worli Crematorium highlights a notable shift in the funeral practices of the Parsi community, to which he belonged. Traditionally, Parsis followed the ancient Zoroastrian practice of sky burials, where the deceased were placed in the Tower of Silence (Doongerwadi) on Malabar Hill, and the bodies were left to decompose naturally, aided by scavenging birds like vultures. However, with the vulture population in India drastically declining, many Parsis are now opting for cremation instead of the Tower of Silence.

The Changing Funeral Practices in the Parsi Community

The Parsi community, followers of Zoroastrianism, is one of India's smallest but most influential religious groups, and Ratan Tata was a prominent figure in this community. For centuries, sky burials were the standard practice. However, over the last few decades, this practice has evolved, largely due to the diminishing vulture population. As an alternative, some Parsis now choose cremation, though this change is not universally accepted by the orthodox section of the community.

According to a 2024 report by the Free Press Journal, only 7 to 8 percent of Parsi funerals in Mumbai were cremations before the establishment of the Prayer Hall at Worli Crematorium. Today, however, that number has grown to 15-20 percent, reflecting a growing preference for cremation.

Ratan Tata's Contributions to the Parsi Community

Ratan Tata was not only a titan in the business world but also a respected figure within the Parsi community. His philanthropic efforts extended to supporting the Zoroastrian community. He generously contributed to initiatives like the Zoroastrian Return to Roots Program, which aimed to reconnect young Parsis with their heritage. The program's Instagram page honored Tata, describing him as “a great role model for young Zarathushtis” and praising his humility and philanthropic spirit.

Prominent Parsi publications like Parsi Khabar also paid tribute to Tata. They noted that he embodied the timeless values of the Parsi heritage and Zoroastrian teachings, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, integrity, and inspiration that will endure through time.

Ratan Tata's Funeral and the Changing Face of Parsi Rites

The evolution of Parsi funeral customs was highlighted during Ratan Tata’s final journey. His funeral, set to take place at the Worli Crematorium, reflects the changing attitudes within the community. Cremations have become more common among modern Parsis, with the Worli Prayer Hall providing a space for those who prefer this method over the traditional Tower of Silence.

This mirrors the funeral of another prominent Parsi figure, Cyrus Mistry, whose last rites were also performed at the Worli Crematorium in 2022. Despite resistance from more conservative elements of the Parsi community, the gradual shift toward cremation seems to reflect the changing preferences of younger generations.

Final Farewell to Ratan Tata

On Thursday, Ratan Tata’s mortal remains were escorted from Breach Candy Hospital to his residence in Colaba. The body was later taken to the NCPA, where numerous dignitaries, colleagues, and admirers paid their respects. His final journey to the Worli Crematorium at 4 pm will mark the conclusion of an era.

The Maharashtra government, acknowledging Tata’s contributions to industry and society, declared a day of mourning on Thursday. Flags were flown at half-mast, and all official entertainment programs were suspended as a mark of respect for the legendary industrialist.

Conclusion

Ratan Tata’s passing marks the end of an era for both the business world and the Parsi community. His contributions to India’s industrial growth, social responsibility, and the Parsi community will be remembered for generations. His funeral at the Worli Crematorium also signifies a quiet but notable shift in Parsi traditions, as cremation becomes more accepted. Through his extraordinary life and legacy, Ratan Tata will continue to inspire future generations.