Patna: Patna is set to open Bihar’s first modern crematorium at Bans Ghat, with construction nearing completion at a cost of Rs 89.4 crore under the Patna Smart City and BUIDCO project.
The crematorium will feature a 12ft statue of Adiyogi Shiva, placed between two ponds designed to hold water from the Ganges. Work on the statue is expected to be finished within 30 days.
As part of the beautification, the walls of the complex are being painted to depict the journey of life from birth to death. Slogans for peace will accompany the murals, while engravings of the story of King Harishchandra, celebrated for his truthfulness and sense of duty, will be displayed to inspire mourners.
Two grand entrances are also being built: Moksha Dwar, made of Dholpur stone and rising 46.5ft, and Vaikunth Dwar. Each gate will carry a bronze Om symbol.
The 4.5-acre site, three times larger than the old crematorium, will house four electric cremation ovens, two ponds for ritual bathing and immersion of ashes, and a Shiva statue for worship. Facilities include two waiting halls, prayer and puja rooms, an administrative office, canteen, temple, staff quarters, toilets, changing rooms, a mortuary, sub-station, parking, internal roads and a public announcement system.
