Manthagini

As the year drew to a close, I found myself surrounded by friends and family, expressing gratitude for their presence in my life. Amid the celebrations, however, I faced the loss of a dear friend’s father. This bittersweet moment led me to a place of reflection, prompting me to wonder: is death like an automatic brake system, pausing the often slippery journey of life? It offers us a moment to stop, reflect, and ponder the essence of our existence and the purpose of being.

Attending the funeral deepened my understanding of cultural traditions. While professional mourners are no longer part of our rituals, we continue to honour the practice of having professional singers at funerals. Their songs, steeped in spirituality and philosophy, bring a sense of peace to the grieving. As I listened, I felt less sorrow and more of a celebration of life—a gentle invitation to reflect on how we want to live moving forward, rather than dwelling in sadness.

One of the singers recited a poignant verse by Tamil poet Vairamuthu:

“We came to Earth on a Yatra, drifted to sleep before the journey ended.”

These words beautifully capture the transient nature of life as a journey, one that ends at different points for each of us. It was a powerful reminder that we never truly know when our journey will conclude. This reflection inspired me to consider how I want to live the days I have left, deepening my appreciation for life and the paths we traverse.

Another tradition that stood out to me was the choice of attire. Unlike many cultures that associate funerals with black clothing, our tradition calls for white or light colours. This is rooted in the belief that black absorbs sorrow and negativity, whereas white symbolizes light, peace, and hope. Even in the face of loss, our culture encourages us to carry these qualities forward—a beautiful reminder to find grace and positivity amid grief.

This experience, though marked by both sorrow and gratitude, gave me a renewed appreciation for life’s journey, the wisdom of traditions, and the power of reflection. It revealed the delicate balance between joy and sorrow, urging me to embrace both as tools for a deeper understanding of life’s purpose and to live each moment with intention.