Pardi Witnesses Historic Send-Off: Son Fulfills 90-Year-Old Father’s Last Wish with ‘Band-Baja’ and ‘Gheriya Dance’; “Don’t Cry, Celebrate My Life”
Breaking News: In a deeply emotional and unique event that has become the talk of the entire South Gujarat region, the town of Pardi in Valsad district witnessed a funeral procession like never before.
Usually, the atmosphere surrounding a death is heavy with grief, silence, and tears. However, in the Damni Zhampa area of Pardi, a father’s final journey was transformed into a grand celebration of life.
Panachand Mohanlal Shah, a 90-year-old respected farmer leader and a prominent figure in the community, passed away due to old age. Instead of mourning his departure with cries of sorrow, his family bid him farewell with the beating of drums, the tunes of a brass band, and traditional folk dancing.
This historic funeral procession marks perhaps the first time in the history of the Pardi region that a final journey was conducted with such grandeur, joy, and tradition, strictly adhering to the deceased’s final wish.
The Departure of Pardi’s ‘Panota Putra’ at 90
Panachand Mohanlal Shah, who resided at the well-known ‘Pedhi Bungalow’ in Damni Zhampa, Pardi, was not just an ordinary citizen. He was an integral part of the social fabric of the town.
Having lived a long and fulfilling life of 90 years, Panachand Kaka, as he was affectionately known, had witnessed generations change and the town evolve. He was considered one of the oldest and most experienced farmers in the region.
Within the Jain community of Pardi, he held a very high and respectable stature. His wisdom and guidance were sought by many. When the news of his demise spread, a wave of sadness initially swept through the town.
However, behind this loss lay a profound philosophy of life that Panachand Kaka practiced. His funeral became a testament to his belief that a life lived with satisfaction should end with a celebration, not sorrow.
The Last Wish That Created History
Death is inevitable in human life, but the manner in which one accepts it defines their legacy. Panachand Kaka taught the world a lesson in acceptance through his final instructions.
Exactly four months ago, Panachand Kaka had called his son, Piyush Shah, to sit beside him. With a calm mind and clear intent, he expressed his unique final desire to his son.
He told Piyush, “Son, I have lived my life with immense satisfaction. When nature sends its calling for me, none of you should cry. When my body leaves this house, send me off with colors, joy, and music (Range-Change).”
Hearing these words, Piyush Shah became emotional, but he made a solemn promise to his father. He vowed that whenever the time came, he would fulfill this wish to the letter. This promise between a father and son set the stage for a unique resolution in Pardi’s history.
A Procession with Band-Baja and Gheriya Dancers
As soon as Panachand Kaka breathed his last, the moment of grief was immediately transformed into a moment of duty for Piyush Shah and his sons. They remembered the vow.
The family decided to give the “Son of the Soil” a farewell that the world would remember. A special chariot (Rath), beautifully decorated with fresh flowers, was prepared to carry the mortal remains.
The most surprising and unique element of this procession was the inclusion of the famous ‘Gheriya’ folk dancers of South Gujarat. Along with a full musical band, these dancers were invited to lead the procession.
When Panachand Shah’s body was placed on the chariot, the band struck up devotional and celebratory tunes, and the Gheriya dancers began their traditional performance.
As the procession moved onto the streets of Pardi, onlookers were stunned. Where one would expect the sound of weeping, the air was filled with the rhythm of drums and the energy of dance, creating a surreal and spiritual atmosphere.
A Son’s Tribute: Holding Back Tears to Honor the Vow
For Piyush Shah, this was undoubtedly the most difficult moment of his life. Losing a father is a monumental loss, yet he stood strong, holding back his tears to honor his father’s command.
The entire family united to ensure the send-off was exactly as Panachand Kaka had envisioned. His sons, daughters, grandsons, and granddaughters all joined the procession, participating in the celebration of his life.
While there was pain in their hearts, there was also a distinct sense of pride in fulfilling the patriarch’s last wish. As the flower-decked chariot passed through the chowks and lanes of Pardi, thousands of people witnessed this rare display of filial duty.
The town buzzed with admiration, with many remarking that a son should be like Piyush Shah—one who keeps his father’s word supreme even in the face of death.
Center of Attraction on Pardi’s Streets
The funeral procession, which started from Damni Zhampa, traversed the main roads of the town. It became a spectacle that stopped traffic and drew crowds from shops and homes.
The chariot was adorned with roses and marigolds, looking more like a festive float than a hearse. The band played inspiring bhajans that uplifted the spirits of everyone present, turning the atmosphere from gloomy to spiritual.
Residents of Pardi stated that they had never witnessed such a funeral in their lifetime. Panachand Shah’s departure served as a powerful message: if a life is lived with simplicity, truth, and contentment, death can indeed be a “Mahotsav” (Grand Festival).
Fusion of Culture: The Significance of Gheriya Dance
The inclusion of the Gheriya dance in the funeral was highly significant. It reflected Panachand Kaka’s deep connection with the land and culture of South Gujarat.
Gheriya is a traditional folk art form, typically performed during joyous festivals like Holi or Diwali. It is a symbol of vibrancy and rural tradition.
Panachand Kaka, being a leading farmer, held a special love for this folk art. By having these dancers perform at his final journey, the family paid a tribute to his roots.
This unique experiment has become a subject of social discussion across the Pardi region. It conveyed a philosophical message that death is not the end, but a union with the Divine, which should be welcomed with joy.
Final Rites with Vedic Traditions
After a grand tour of the town, the procession finally reached the holy cremation ground of Pardi. Despite the celebratory procession, the final rites were conducted with utmost solemnity.
All religious rituals were performed strictly according to Jain and Hindu scriptures. At the cremation ground, the atmosphere turned serene.
Family members, though still honoring the wish for no wailing, found peace in knowing they had done everything right. Many prominent citizens, political leaders, and social workers of Pardi were present at the cremation ground to offer their floral tributes.
Even after the electric cremation or pyre ceremony concluded, people were seen discussing the exemplary life and the majestic exit of Panachand Kaka.
An Inspiration for Society
Panachand Shah leaves behind a large, well-settled family. His children have inherited not just his agricultural and business legacy, but also his deep-rooted values (Sanskars).
For the Jain society of Pardi, he was like a banyan tree—providing shade and wisdom. His funeral proved that the bond between a father and son goes beyond blood; it is bonded by trust and promises.
This event will be remembered in Pardi for years to come. The way Piyush Shah sent off his father with “Band-Baja” and “Gheriya” has provided a new perspective to society regarding death and mourning.
Living a full 90 years, it truly seems that Panachand Kaka did not just face death, but defeated the gloom associated with it, leaving the world on his own terms.
Conclusion: A ‘Mahotsav’ to Remember
In conclusion, weeping after death is the custom of the world, but turning death into a festival is the mark of a great soul. Panachand Shah of Pardi proved this truth through his final journey.
His son, Piyush Shah, has set the highest example of “Pitru-Bhakti” (devotion to father) by prioritizing his father’s wish over social norms of mourning.
The tunes of the band that echoed through Pardi’s streets today will resonate in the memories of the locals for a long time. This incident teaches us that if life is valuable, its farewell must be equally precious. The entire region of Gujarat pays a heartfelt tribute to this son of the soil.
#Pardi #PanachandShah #UniqueFuneral #LastWish #PiyushShah #PardiNews #BandBaja #GheriyaDance #JainCommunity #ValsadNews #GujaratSamachar #LifeCelebration #BreakingNews #PardiUpdate #GJ15
📌 Note:
This article is published on OurVapi.com The information presented is based on public sources, local inputs, field observations, and the author’s independent assessment. It is intended to be useful primarily for readers from Vapi, Valsad, Umbergaon, Sarigam, Bhilad, Silvassa, Daman, and nearby regions.
The core objective of OurVapi.com is to deliver accurate, useful, factual, and verified information with a strong focus on local news, public awareness, culture, lifestyle, and community-related topics.
If you found this article helpful, please share it and leave your thoughts in the comments section.
Stay connected with OurVapi.com for reliable local news, updates, and community-focused content.
