Sambalpur (Orissa), Nov. 26 : Compelled to arrange two square meals for her family after husband’s death, a woman in Orissa’s Sambalpur area has opted to be a keeper in a local crematorium here.  

Married at a tender age of 15, Shanti Behera lost her husband after turning 40. His death left her with two unmarried daughters. He used to work at the Kamlibatar Rajghat (cremation ground) located along the banks of River Mahanadi in Sambalpur.

It’s been five years since Shanti (45) took up her husband’s work despite being aware that women were strictly prohibited from working in cremation ground according to local custom.

"I have been working here since last five years. I am happy doing this work. I help the souls rest in peace," said Shanti, the cremation ground keeper, Kamlibatar Rajghat.

A mother of four daughters, Shanti today doesn’t find anything objectionable or awkward while tending the funeral pyre. For, due to this very work she has been able to keep the hearth of her home burning.

Shanti is eager to see her two unmarried daughters find a suitable match.

"Here, whatever people give me I accept and manage to feed my family. But the amount is neither permanent nor sufficient. I am worried about my daughters since I have to see they are married," she said.

Initially, it was difficult for Shanti to adjust while witnessing the gory sight of dead bodies at the crematorium. With the passage of time, she has accepted everything as part of life.

She, however, finds it difficult if any family brings the dead body of a child to the crematorium.

Her job is to ensure that the cremated bodies are completely burnt. Often she has to stay awake till the wee hours.

Families visiting the cremation ground find her helpful in making all arrangements done during cremations.

"We don't find any difficulty when we come here for the last rites because this woman is very helpful and does everything possible," said Niranjan, a resident of Sambalpur.

"This woman is helping in cremation of the dead bodies. Starting from arranging of the wood for the pyre to setting it on fire and ensuring it is burnt properly, she does it all. I have not seen such kind of woman," said Pranab Kumar, watchman, Kamlibatar Rajghat.

Earlier, the Sambalpur Municipality was paying Shanti rupees 1,000 as wages which has recently been raised to 1500. (ANI)