From Stitching Work to Funeral Rites: Bihar Mother and Her Twins

A small hamlet in Bihar’s Gopalganj district witnessed a rare display of courage when two 11‑year‑old twin girls, Pari and Pankhudi, directed the funeral of their grandmother. The incident illustrates the broader narrative of a mother’s perseverance and her daughters’ resolve.

After the death of their father, Prince Srivastav, five years ago, mother Priyanka Devi turned to sewing, embroidery, and daily‑wage jobs to keep the family afloat. She ensured the twins received an education, even as financial pressures mounted.

When the grandmother’s time came, the family faced a dilemma: there was no male relative to shoulder the arthi. While many villagers gathered, the cultural expectation that a man should carry the bier left a void.

Without waiting for anyone else, Pari and Pankhudi lifted the heavy wooden bier and walked to the cremation ground. Pari performed the sacred mukhagni, the final flame, while Pankhudi assisted, handling the ceremonial items.

Eyewitnesses reported that the twins’ composed faces and steady hands moved many to tears. Their actions have become a source of pride for the community, illustrating how women and girls are increasingly stepping into roles once deemed unsuitable for them.

Priyanka’s story of juggling stitching work and motherhood, coupled with her daughters’ willingness to assume adult responsibilities, shines a light on the resilience found in many rural Indian households. The twins’ brave conduct not only honoured their grandmother but also sent a powerful message about gender roles and the strength of the younger generation.