Patna: Bihar has introduced a modern, technology-driven cremation facility on the banks of the Ganga in Patna, offering what officials describe as world-class infrastructure for last rites. Developed at a cost of nearly Rs 90 crore, the revamped Bans Ghat crematorium features air-conditioned waiting halls, multiple cremation options, online booking and enhanced public amenities.
While the state government has handed over the operation of the crematorium to the Isha Foundation free of cost, cremation services will not be free for the public. The cost of performing the last rites is expected to range between Rs 3,500 and Rs 5,000, significantly higher than the Rs 300 fee charged at government cremation ghats in Digha, Gulbi and Khajekala.
The Bihar government is also set to lease land to the Isha Foundation for additional projects. The foundation will receive 2.11 acres in Patna’s Digha on a 33-year lease for a token amount of Re 1 to establish the state’s first LPG-based crematorium. It is also expected to receive 15.01 acres in Tarapur, Munger, on a 99-year lease at an annual rent of Re 1 to develop a cultural, religious and tourism centre.
Modern Crematorium Spread Across 4.5 Acres
The redeveloped Bans Ghat crematorium covers 4.5 acres, compared to the earlier 1.24-acre facility. Constructed by Patna Smart City Limited at a cost of Rs 89.40 crore, it has the capacity to conduct 18 cremations simultaneously.
The facility offers three cremation options:
- Four imported electric cremation furnaces capable of reducing a body to ashes within 15 to 20 minutes while producing around 90 percent less pollution than conventional wood pyres.
- Six wood cremation ovens designed by a Bihar-based company that require less firewood and complete the cremation process in approximately 20 to 25 minutes using chimney-based smoke management.
- Eight traditional open pyre platforms for families wishing to perform customary Hindu funeral rites.
Charges and Facilities
The minimum cremation fee has been fixed at Rs 3,500. Including payments for priests, attendants and other services, the total cost is expected to reach approximately Rs 5,000. Families opting for traditional wood cremation will have to purchase firewood separately, which will be available within the crematorium complex.
The facility also includes a mortuary with refrigeration units for preserving bodies. A dedicated section for the cremation of infants and children is being developed to discourage the immersion of bodies directly into the Ganga.
Four shops within the premises will provide essential funeral materials, including ritual cloth, ghee, sandalwood, incense sticks, camphor, flowers, sacred threads and other items required for last rites.
Architectural Features
The crematorium features two prominent 42-foot-high gateways named Moksha Dwar and Vaikunth Dwar, serving as the entry and exit points. Both gates display bronze Om symbols crafted by artisans from Jalandhar.
Two specially constructed ponds have been developed for ritual bathing and immersion of ashes. Water is supplied directly from the Ganga through a two-kilometre pipeline, allowing religious rituals to be performed without polluting the river.
A 12-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva, inspired by the Adiyogi sculpture in Tamil Nadu, has been installed between the ponds. The fibre statue is accompanied by a 15-foot trident, landscaped green spaces and decorative lighting. Nearly 12,000 trees and plants have also been planted throughout the complex.
Walls across the crematorium display paintings depicting the cycle of human life, concepts of karma, heaven and hell, along with illustrations of King Harishchandra’s story to promote values of truth and duty.
To shield the cremation area from public view, decorative high-pressure laminate panels featuring Om symbols and trident motifs have been installed along the boundary facing JP Ganga Path (Marine Drive), where thousands of vehicles pass daily.
Online Booking and Digital Services
The crematorium will offer online slot booking through the Patna Municipal Corporation website. Families will be able to generate a ticket ID, reserve cremation slots, book hearse vehicles through a WhatsApp chatbot, and apply for death certificates. A help desk will assist visitors with registration and related formalities.
Bihar Expanding Modern Cremation Infrastructure
The Bihar government is developing 40 modern crematoriums across the state equipped with both electric and traditional cremation facilities. Construction of 20 such facilities has already been completed, with beautification work currently in its final phase before they become operational.
Bihar’s First LPG-Based Crematorium Planned
Patna’s Digha will house Bihar’s first LPG-based crematorium under an agreement between the Patna Municipal Corporation and Isha Outreach. The project will feature four LPG furnaces and aims to reduce emissions while preserving traditional funeral rituals through limited use of firewood.
Patna Mayor Sita Sahu said LPG-based cremation is the need of the hour, adding that the new system will combine traditional religious practices with environmentally sustainable technology.
Land Lease in Munger
The Bihar government has also approved the lease of 15.01 acres of land in Tarapur, Munger, to the Isha Foundation for 99 years at a token lease amount of Re 1. The proposed project is intended to develop the site as a cultural, religious and tourism destination.
