"
"
Mass cremations like this in New Delhi are becoming commonplace in India because of the skyrocketing deaths due to COVID-19. Exposure Visuals/Shutterstock
The majority of India's population are Hindu, who favor cremation as a way of disposing of the body. But the Muslim population, which is close to 15 percent, favors burying its dead.
Generally, tradition holds that the body is to be cremated or buried as quickly as possible — within 24 hours for Hindus, Jains and Muslims, and within three days for Sikhs. This need for rapid disposal has also contributed to the current crisis.
Hundreds of families want their loved ones' bodies cared for as quickly as possible, but there is a shortage of people who can do the funerals and last rites. This has led to a situation where people are paying bribes in order to get space or a furnace for cremation. There are also reports of physical fights, and intimidation.