No signs of crematorium in Malta even 4 years after cremation law: Hindus & others feel abandoned

VALETTA, Malta - Aug. 29, 2023 - PRLog -- Although a law allowing cremation was passed in Malta Parliament in May 2019, a functioning crematorium is still nowhere in sight.

According to some estimates; going through blueprints, approvals, construction, licensing, etc.; it might be 2026 or 2027 when a working crematorium would be available to the public for cremation of their loved ones. Moreover, the law is reportedly still to be signed by the Malta President to be enacted.

Malta, not having a mechanism for the cremation of deceased Hindus, was forcing the community to bury their loved ones in contradiction of their long-held beliefs that burial hindered soul's journey; Hindu statesman Rajan Zed said in a statement in Nevada (USA) today.

Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, is urging the Malta Government to subsidize cremations abroad till proper crematorium is built and available for usage in Malta.

Basic cremation abroad reportedly starts from €4,400, but added options can raise the cost. Many non-Hindus in Malta now reportedly also prefer cremation over burial. Pet cremation, however, is reportedly available in Malta.

If the Government was presently unable to offer subsidy for cremations abroad, then in the meantime, Hindus should be allowed to cremate their deceased on traditional open pyres in Malta. For this purpose, the Malta Government should allot a cremation ground near a body of water where Hindus could cremate their deceased on open pyres; Rajan Zed indicated.

Zed further said that Malta should show some maturity and be more responsive to the hurt feelings of its hard-working, harmonious and peaceful Hindu community; which had been in the country since the 1800s and had made a lot of contributions to the nation and society; and continued to do so.

Rajan Zed pointed out that cremation had been a pre-BCE tradition prescribed in ancient Hindu texts. Cremation signified spiritual release, helped severe ties to earthly life and gave momentum to the soul for its continuing spiritual journey. World's oldest extant scripture, Rig-Veda, told us: Agni, set him free again to go to the fathers.

It was simply heartbreaking for the community to perform something in clear violation of their faith. Being able to follow one's faith traditions was a fundamental human right, Zed stressed.