Hindu community in Chicago works to create first-ever culturally specific funeral facility

 By: Vandana Jhingan 

A recent fundraising event in Chicago for Mokshdham was met with overwhelming success, bringing together community leaders, supporters, and families to raise awareness and resources for a groundbreaking project. The event highlighted the collective determination of Chicago’s Hindu community to create the first Hindu-oriented funeral home and crematorium in the United States. 

 Mokshdham, a nonprofit organization, is spearheading the initiative to provide a culturally respectful and affordable option for Hindu families to honor their loved ones. The organization’s mission addresses the rising demand for cremation services, which have grown by 30% in recent years, particularly among the over 250,000 Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists living in the Chicago metro area.
Dr. Bharat Barai and Dr. Rashmi Patel, with the support of dedicated community members, are leading the effort to establish this facility. The project will offer funeral services aligned with Hindu rituals, including the sacred Antim Agni-Sanskar, a vital tradition currently hindered by the lack of appropriate facilities and exorbitant costs. Mokshdham’s vision includes an affordable cremation facility integrated with a Shiva Temple, providing families with a dedicated space to perform last rites while preserving cultural and spiritual practices. 
The center will also cater to broader community needs, offering resources for religious ceremonies and social services. Zoning approval and land acquisition are already underway, with the total cost of the project estimated at $4.9 million. Contributions are tax-deductible, and organizers are actively seeking donations to make this vision a reality. “This project will ensure that Hindu families in the U.S. can perform their last rites with dignity and respect,” said Dr. Patel. 

 The recent fundraiser demonstrated the community’s strong commitment to supporting the project, with many expressing pride in creating a facility that fulfills the cultural and spiritual needs of Hindu families. Mokshdham aims to serve as a cornerstone for the community and a model for other regions. To support the initiative, community members are encouraged to contribute through donations, time, or services. Every effort brings this essential resource closer to fruition for Chicago’s Hindu community.