They came to Kashi to die — and found peace in living
Shailvee Sharda
TNN
Jul 27, 2025, 16:15 IST
For most people, there is no such thing as a good death. It's too early, too painful, too lonely, or too heavy with regret. But in Varanasi, where death is not seen as an end but as a passage, many — from as far as Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Rajasthan — come to prepare purposefully for its arrival, living actively and in peace as they wait for a meaningful end
It's hard to think about your own death. That, somehow, the world will go on without you in it. But people from across India come to Varanasi to do just that.
With the belief that dying in Varanasi breaks the cycle of rebirth, hundreds of faithful Hindus make their way into the ancient city in their old age each year — leaving their homes and ties behind — with meticulous plans to die right here.
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They came to Kashi to die — and found peace in living
They came to Kashi to die — and found peace in living Shailvee Sharda TNN Jul 27, 2025, 16:15 IST For most people, there is no such thing as a good death. It's too early, too painful, too lonely, or too heavy with regret. But in Varanasi, where death is not seen as an end but as a passage, many — from as far as Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Rajasthan — come to prepare purposefully for its arrival, living actively and in peace as they wait for a meaningful end It's hard to think about your own death. That, somehow, the world will go on without you in it. But people from across India come to Varanasi to do just that. With the belief that dying in Varanasi breaks the cycle of rebirth, hundreds of faithful Hindus make their way into the ancient city in their old age each year — leaving their homes and ties behind — with meticulous plans to die right here.
