Chhattisgarh: 500 villagers attend funeral of 130-year-old crocodile
What's the story
In what could be seen as one of the purest forms of human-animal coexistence, an entire village in Chhattisgarh gathered to mourn and bid adieu to a 130-year-old crocodile who passed away on Tuesday. The crocodile, named Gangaram, had been peacefully co-existing with the villagers, and was loved and worshipped by all in the village of Bawamohatra, located 80km from Raipur. Here's more.
Death
After a century of existence, Gangaram died of natural causes
On Tuesday morning, over 500 residents of Bawamohatra gathered near a pond and started weeping when they found that Gangaram had passed away. The Forest Department was subsequently called to fish the body out of the water. They confirmed that Gangaram had died of natural causes, and after the post-mortem, handed over Gangaram's body to the villagers for the crocodile's last rites.
Funeral
It was an emotional day for the residents of Bawamohatra
The 3.4m long crocodile, weighing over 250kg, was then carried to its resting grounds on a tractor decorated with garlands and flowers. It was buried on the banks of the pond where it used to live, and teary-eyed villagers bid the ancient reptile an emotional farewell. Some grief-stricken villagers even refused to cook food or eat on the day of Gangaram's passing.
Quote
The friendly crocodile who lived in harmony
"Even the kids of the village could swim around him and Gangaram had never harmed or attacked anyone. Gangaram was not a crocodile but a friend and a divine creature for us who was worshipped in this village," said a villager.
Commemoration
Villagers want to build a statue to commemorate Gangaram
Villagers told the press that Gangaram had lived in the village for over three generations, and was widely regarded as the protector and guardian of the village. The entire village worshipped the ancient reptile, who had never harmed anyone, and reportedly even ate rice and dal served by the villagers. Villagers now want to build a statue over the burial ground to commemorate Gangaram.
Quote
Gangaram was a very understanding creature, said a villager
"He would even eat rice and dal which was served by the villagers and kids. Gangaram was very understanding. If he saw anyone swimming near him, he used to go to the other side of the pond," one villager told HT.