‘Our Financial Situation Changed When the Cow Came Home’: Sehore Farmer Gives Unique Farewell to Beloved Animal

In a heartwarming display of devotion, a farmer in Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh, organized a traditional funeral for his cow, treating it as a cherished member of the family. The unique gesture has earned him widespread admiration in the village.

A Family Member in Every Sense
Shyamlal Meena, a resident of Lanchour village in Bherunda block, shared that the cow, named Radha, had been part of their family for 20 years. “She was not just a cow; she was like a family member. Every day, we would touch her feet before leaving the house,” he said. Following Radha’s passing, the family performed her last rites with full Vedic rituals and traditional ceremonies, even taking her on a decorated bullock cart for the funeral procession. Drums and traditional music accompanied the journey, marking a rare and respectful farewell.

Radha Brings Prosperity
Shyamlal recalled that when Radha first came into their home two decades ago, their economic condition was poor, and they lived in a mud house. Over the years, through diligent care and devotion to Radha, the family’s fortunes improved. “Radha gradually became a symbol of prosperity for us,” he said. Today, the family lives in a permanent house, which Shyamlal credits to her blessings.

A Gesture of Love and Respect
The farmer explained the deep bond he shared with Radha. “Whenever I left home, I would touch her feet before stepping out. On the day she passed away, the hearth remained unlit, and no one in the family ate until her last rites were completed,” he shared. The cow was respectfully buried outside the village in accordance with traditional customs, with flowers and ceremonial rituals honoring her life and contribution to the family.

This extraordinary act highlights the emotional connection and reverence that some farmers hold for their animals, treating them not merely as livestock, but as integral members of their households.