Nepal Funds Freezers to Preserve Dignity as Migrant Workers return for Final Farewells
Dhangadhi, Nepal - When Lalata Prasad chaudhary died in September, his sons, Bijay, 39, and Sunil, 36, were hundreds of miles away in Shimla, India, earning a seasonal income to support their families. Like countless Nepali men who seek work abroad, their presence at their father’s funeral was delayed, but thanks to a new initiative by the Dhangadhi municipality, his body was preserved with dignity while they made the journey home.
The practice of Nepali men migrating for work-often leaving aging parents behind-has created a heartbreaking dilemma: families are often unable to perform traditional funeral rites promptly. Recognizing this growing need, the Dhangadhi local government has begun providing freezers to families awaiting the return of migrant worker relatives, ensuring bodies can be respectfully preserved until loved ones arrive to say goodbye. This intervention addresses not only the emotional toll on grieving families but also the cultural importance of immediate cremation or burial in Hinduism and Buddhism, the dominant religions in Nepal.
“Before going to India, our father had told us to earn money and build a permanent house in Dhangadhi city. We had never imagined that he would die so soon,” said Bijay Chaudhary, reflecting on the circumstances of his father’s passing. The brothers, who return annually for two months during the paddy planting season, had lost their mother seven years prior.
The situation is widespread across Nepal, where remittances from migrant workers contribute considerably to the national economy, yet frequently enough come at the cost of family time and the ability to participate in crucial life events. Gopal Hamal, the mayor of Dhangadhi, acknowledges the economic necessity driving migration. “I cannot stop young people from going abroad,” he stated, “but I am trying to reunite families at the time of death.”
The initiative in Dhangadhi is a localized response to a national issue. While official statistics on the number of Nepalis working abroad are constantly fluctuating, the Department of Foreign Employment reports that hundreds of thousands of Nepalis seek foreign employment permits each year, primarily in countries like India, Malaysia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. the delay in funerals not only causes emotional distress but can also present logistical challenges in Nepal’s often-remote and mountainous terrain.
The provision of freezers is a temporary solution, offering a measure of comfort during a arduous time. Mayor Hamal’s office is exploring further support mechanisms for families impacted by migration, including counseling services and assistance with funeral arrangements. The hope is to balance the economic benefits of overseas work with the preservation of cultural traditions and the emotional well-being of Nepali families.
