A Funeral Procession

My mother died suddenly two years ago on account of heart failure. Her dead body was given the last bath at 9 a.m. Then she was wrapped in a sheet of cloth. Then the dead body was put on a bier. This bier was carried by four persons on their shoulders. The funeral was attended by our relations and a large number of men and women from our city. The funeral procession started from our residence at about 11 a.m. The procession slowly made its way to the cremation ground. As the procession marched ahead, the mourners chanted "Ram Nam Sat Hai." The occasion was very solemn. Tears welled upon the eyes of each mourner. At about 12 noon, the dead body was brought to the burning ghat. The funeral rites were performed there. Vedic Mantras were recited by the Pandit. The dead body was placed on the pyre. The face of my dead mother was uncovered for me and my relatives and others to have the last look. Heart-rending cries were given by my sisters. My own throat was choked with emotions and grief. Then I was asked by the priest to light the pyre. All the mourners had tears in their eyes. They seemed to pray for the departed soul. The dead body was soon reduced to ashes. I felt quite sad, lonely, and miserable.