Patna: Bihar’s first state-of-the-art crematorium at Baans Ghat in Patna, being run and maintained by Isha Foundation, is providing people the opportunity to perform the last rites of their near and dear ones in a dignified manner.
Isha Foundation- which has recently assumed the operations and maintenance of Baans Ghat crematorium- integrates traditional practices with modern facilities that included two AC waiting halls, a canteen, drinking water, toilet etc. It is spread across 4.5 acres and is one of the largest in Asia and one of most modern crematorium facilities in Eastern India.
Underscoring the importance of ensuring dignity in death, Sadhguru has emphasized, “As we have responsibilities for the living, we have responsibilities towards the dead.”
The facility has 18 cremation platforms, including four electric cremation units, six wood-based cremation units and eight open (traditional) cremation sites, said Madhu Ranjan, a volunteer of Isha Foundation at Baans Ghat.
The six wooden furnace crematoriums are eco friendly as it pollutes less, he said adding that 18 cremations can take place simultaneously and up to 50 cremations in a day, making it one of the highest-capacity crematoriums in the region. Two more wood furnace cremation sites will be converted into LPG furnace in a fortnight.
“We try to give dignity in death….A person coming here will experience a different height. We want to get the family members to settle in a calm manner so that they can return home with a peace of mind,” Ranjan said.
A person coming here to perform last rites will have to pay Rs 3500 for electric crematorium apart from Rs 500 (Dom Raja), Rs 250 for Pundit (Priest) and Rs 150 for Nai (Barber)
There are two ponds having Ganga water at the crematorium – one for taking bath and the other for “ashthi visarjan” (immersion of ashes), Ranjan said and added that a Kaal Bhairav Mandapam, which will house eight feet tall statue of Kaal Bhairav, will be completed in next two months.
Asked about the difference between traditional mode of cremation and gas based or electric crematorium, a volunteer associated with Isha Foundation, wishing anonymity, said that there is big difference in the cost of cremation through traditional mode and electric or gas based. LPG based furnace crematoriums are very less polluting and need not require maintenance, he said.
In June 2025, the Bihar govt has partnered with Isha Outreach- the social and environmental welfare arm of Isha Foundation- for five crematorium sites in Patna, Begusarai (Simariya), Bhagalpur, Gaya & Saharsa while the process for a sixth site in Chapra is currently in progress, he said and added that Isha Foundation to construct a modern gas-based crematorium at Digha Ghat.
SPIRITUAL LEADER SADHGURU WILL BE IN PATNA
Spiritual leader, Yogi and Isha Foundation Founder Sadhguru will visit Bihar on June 26 and 27. People from across Bihar will get opportunity to see and listen to him at an event scheduled to be held at Bapu Sabhagar on June 27 in the state capital, Maa Gurudasi of Isha Foundation, said. Those wishing to attend Sadhguru Darshan can register at: sadhguru.co/patna. Sadhguru will return to Tamil Nadu after attending few functions in the state on June 28.
Sadhguru’s visit to Bihar comes at Bihar govt’s invitation and will include a series of engagements focused on social, cultural and public welfare initiatives. During the visit, Sadhguru is scheduled to meet the Chief Minister of Bihar, Samrat Choudhary. Discussions are expected to include the development of dignified and accessible cremation infrastructure, drawing upon Isha Foundation’s experience in establishing and operating crematoriums that integrate traditional practices with modern facilities.
ABOUT ISHA CREMATORIUMS
Isha Foundation’s crematorium crematoriums provide affordable facilities with fixed and subsidized fees, making the process accessible to families from all sections of society.
Since 2010, under Sadhguru’s guidance, Isha Foundation has been managing crematoriums in partnership with the Government of Tamil Nadu, with 33 facilities currently operating across the state. Over the past 15 years, these crematoriums have facilitated more than 1,25,000 cremations, ensuring dignity and support for families during their final rites.
Since December 2025, these crematoriums have been providing free cremation services to families living below the poverty line. Sadhguru has envisioned expanding this model across Bharat, emphasizing that society’s responsibility extends not only to the living but also to ensuring a dignified final journey for the departed.
