Surat Senior Embraces Life with Daily 'Living Funeral' Tradition
"Perform all my last rites while I am still alive, not after I am gone. Just collect a few flowers and immerse them in the Narmada," declares 80-year-old Devraj Desai with a serene, untroubled smile as he converses with his son. By flowers, the retired diamond unit owner poetically refers to his mortal remains—yet his words carry no trace of fear. With a radiant glow on his face and an enduring enthusiasm for serving all living beings, death seems a distant concept. Nevertheless, Desai has consciously chosen not to await its arrival before acknowledging its significance, wholeheartedly embracing the practice of Jivta Jagatyu.
Understanding Jivta Jagatyu: A Tradition of Living Celebration
Jivta Jagatyu is a profound tradition where an individual commemorates their life while still alive and performs all post-death rituals in advance. This practice has been steadily gaining acceptance and is typically observed just once. However, Devraj Desai has remarkably been observing this ritual regularly for the past 17 years, transforming it into a daily celebration of existence.
A Life-Altering Health Crisis Sparks a Unique Decision
Originally hailing from Ukharla village in Bhavnagar district, Desai once operated a diamond polishing unit that employed approximately 25 workers. Nearly two decades ago, he developed severe heart complications, leading doctors to recommend surgery for replacing two heart valves. Following the operation, his family anxiously feared his time might be limited. It was during this precarious period that Desai made an unconventional request: instead of performing rituals after his death, he expressed a fervent wish to observe them during his lifetime.
Much to the family's immense relief, Desai recovered remarkably well. His disciplined lifestyle and simple daily routine played a crucial role in restoring his health. "Since then, we have been observing Jivta Jagatyu almost every day by planting at least one tree," explains his son Dhansukh, who manages an embroidery business and is actively associated with Green Army, a citizen-led group promoting environmental awareness through extensive plantation drives.
Transforming Milestones into Acts of Service and Growth
Over the years, the Desai family has commemorated nearly 20 birthdays and symbolic "death anniversaries" with meaningful tree-planting initiatives and campaigns that encourage organ, eye, and body donation. Traditionally, after a person's demise, families offer meals to relatives and donate to charitable causes as a mark of respect, to aid the soul's journey, and to earn spiritual merit. In Devraj Desai's inspiring case, these very acts are being carried out proactively during his lifetime.
The family regularly organizes community meals at religious places and provides fodder for cows, embedding service into their daily lives. "I want people to remember me with happiness while I am still here. That is why we celebrate in this transformative way," shares Desai, emphasizing his philosophy of joyful remembrance.
Extending Charity and Commitment Beyond Conventional Boundaries
Desai often spends extended periods in religious towns like Chanod, considered sacred for post-death rituals, where he continues his charitable activities, such as organizing meals for people. Furthermore, he has made significant pledges to donate his body to a medical college and his eyes to an eye bank, ensuring his contributions extend beyond his physical life.
Supporting this altruistic decision, his granddaughter, Dr. Smita Golakiha, an MD in microbiology, affirms, "When I was studying medicine, I pledged to donate my body and eyes. My grandfather harbored the same noble wish, and we diligently ensured his registration for these donations."
Praful Shiroya, president of Lok Drashti Eye Bank, lauds the family as a true inspiration. "People like Devraj Desai powerfully prove that one can contribute meaningfully to society not only during life but even beyond it," he states, highlighting the lasting impact of such selfless actions.
