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Heartwarming: Villagers Perform Monkey's Funeral with Lingayat Rituals in Bengaluru

In Shirahatti village, Belgaum district, villagers performed a monkey's funeral with Lingayat rituals after it died falling from a tree. The body was decorated with sugarcane, bananas, and garlands, and a grand procession was held. The incident reflects deep-rooted cultural compassion for animals, similar to CRPF's funeral for a dog named Rolo. Both cases highlight empathy towards animals across communities and forces.

Key Points: Villagers Give Monkey Dignified Funeral with Lingayat Rituals

  • Villagers performed monkey's funeral with Lingayat rituals
  • Monkey died after falling from tree
  • Body decorated with sugarcane, bananas, garlands
  • Hundreds joined funeral procession in Shirahatti
2 min read

Villagers perform monkey's funeral with Lingayat rituals in Bengaluru

In a touching incident in Belgaum, villagers performed a monkey's funeral with full Lingayat rituals, highlighting compassion for animals.

"Such acts of kindness towards animals are not isolated. - Content"

Chikkodi, May 2

In a heartwarming incident, villagers in Shirahatti and nearby areas displayed remarkable compassion and respect for animals by performing the funeral of a monkey that died accidentally, conducting the last rites in accordance with Lingayat religious traditions.

The incident took place in Shirahatti village of Athani taluk in Belgaum district on Saturday morning, when a monkey reportedly fell to its death while jumping from one tree to another. What followed was an extraordinary gesture of empathy, as villagers came together to ensure the animal received a dignified farewell, much like a human being.

The body of the deceased monkey was carefully prepared and decorated with sugarcane, bananas, kamba, and garlands made of mango leaves. Villagers then organised a grand funeral procession, carrying the body from Shirahatti village to the Shirahatti RC Centre. The procession witnessed the participation of hundreds of people, including men, women, and children from surrounding villages, who joined in paying their respects.

According to residents, the funeral was conducted following Lingayat customs, reflecting the community's deep-rooted cultural and spiritual beliefs that emphasise compassion towards all living beings. The cremation was carried out with full rituals, prayers, and devotion, highlighting the villagers' emotional connection with the animal.

Such acts of kindness towards animals are not isolated. In a similar instance, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) conducted full last rites for a two-year-old Belgian Shepherd dog named Rolo, a member of its elite canine squad. Rolo lost her life during an anti-Naxal operation in the Karreguttalu hills along the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border after being attacked by a swarm of bees. She succumbed to anaphylactic shock following around 200 bee stings on April 27, 2025.

Born on April 5, 2023, Rolo was trained in infantry patrolling, explosive detection, and assault at the Dog Breeding and Training School (DBTS). She was later deployed for anti-Naxal operations with the 228 Battalion of the CRPF in April 2024. Her sacrifice was honoured with full ceremonial rites by the force.

Both incidents underline a shared sense of respect and empathy towards animals, whether in rural communities or among security forces, reinforcing the idea that compassion transcends species.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

M
Michael C
Heartwarming story. But I have to say, with all the poverty and infrastructure issues in rural India, shouldn't resources go to more pressing needs? A full ceremonial funeral for a monkey seems excessive. Just my thoughts.
P
Priya S
My grandmother always said, "Jeeva dayam parama dharma" - compassion for all living beings is the highest virtue. These villagers are a living example of that. And the CRPF dog Rolo's story brought tears to my eyes. Such loyalty from our four-legged friends deserves all honour.
N
Nikhil C
I'm not religious, but this is beautiful. Whether it's a monkey in Karnataka or a CRPF dog in Chhattisgarh, it shows that Indians have an innate respect for animals. Though I wonder - do they give the same respect to cows that die on the roads or dogs that are often neglected? Let's be consistent.
S
Sarah B
This is so heartwarming! Coming from the UK, I find it amazing how communities in India treat all creatures with such dignity. The photo of the monkey with garlands and fruit is touching. RIP little monkey 🕊️
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Vikram M
Respect for the villagers' sentiment, but let's be practical. Monkeys are also crop raiders and can be a nuisance in some villages. While I appreciate the compassion, we shouldn't normalize giving elaborate funerals to wild animals. Focus on better waste management and healthcare for people first. Just saying.

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