The final journey of Mombasa billionaire Hasmukh Patel is set to be a unique and deeply symbolic farewell, reflecting his immense contributions to the community and his commitment to Hindu traditions. Patel’s body will be carried in a special casket, seated upright to signify his enduring presence among the living. This gesture underscores the belief that he remains with those he has left behind, continuing to watch over them.
The procession will begin at the Pandya Memorial Hospital morgue on Sunday at 8 a.m., where only family members will witness the removal of Patel’s body. From there, the cortege will move through various routes in Mombasa, stopping at about five Hindu temples. This journey will include a passage through Moi Avenue, the railway station, and Haile Selassie Avenue, with the first stop at the temple opposite Quickmart Supermarket. This site holds significant meaning, as it was near a feeding centre funded by Patel. The entire procession will be streamed live on YouTube, allowing those unable to attend in person to join the commemoration.
Each temple stop along the route will include a brief prayer session, with a particularly extended stay at the temple opposite Royal Court Hotel. This temple was not only a place of worship for Patel but also housed his charity offices. It is a location where many of Mombasa’s needy residents gathered to seek assistance with school fees, hospital bills, and other needs. Here, Patel often spent his evenings witnessing the impact of his charitable work firsthand.
The procession will conclude at the New Cutchi Leva Patel Samaj Hall in Nyali, a venue closely linked to Patel’s family history, as it hosted his son’s wedding. This is also where the main funeral service will take place, attended by dignitaries including President William Ruto, who is expected to be present before his departure to China in the evening. Other notable attendees will include Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and various Members of Parliament who have called for the erection of a statue or the naming of a street in Patel’s honor.
Following the service, Patel’s body will be taken to the crematorium for the final rites, known in Hindu tradition as cremation. This practice, rooted in the belief that the physical body serves no purpose after death, is considered the quickest way to release the soul and aid in reincarnation. The casket will be carried feet first into the crematorium while mourners recite prayers. The ceremony, led by a Hindu priest and senior family members, is known as the ‘mukhagni’ and traditionally attended only by men, although modern practices often include women as well.
The rituals preceding the cremation will include washing the body with ghee, honey, milk, and yoghurt, placing essential oils on the head, and adorning the body with flowers and rice balls. Family members will participate in these rites, including the tying of the big toes and positioning the hands in prayer. Mourners are expected to dress in white, in keeping with Hindu customs, as black is considered inappropriate.
The cremation will be followed by the scattering of ashes over a sacred body of water or another meaningful location. The Hindu mourning period traditionally ranges from 10 to 30 days, during which the family may display a photo of the deceased adorned with flowers. On the 13th day, a special ceremony called ‘preta-karma’ will be held to help release the soul for reincarnation.
Hasmukh Patel’s last journey is not just a reflection of his personal beliefs but also a celebration of his lasting impact on Mombasa. His legacy of charity and community service will be remembered long after his final farewell.
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