Hyderabad: On All Souls Day today, Christian cemeteries have a sad tale as the space available for the deceased continues to shrink. The cemeteries are bustling with visitors decorating the graves of their loved ones at this time of the year. Families are forced to inter multiple loved ones within existing graves, with some plots having four to five souls each.
Explaining the predicament, Fr Dr Vincent Arokiadas, parish priest of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in New Bowenpally, stated that many churches were now procuring land to bury those who have passed away.
“If the government addresses this issue, it would be better. They can facilitate the procurement of land. Churches are united on this issue, and it is a common problem. We have been asking the government for space since the time of Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, but nothing has materialised,” he said.
These cramped and crowded graves, some of which date back to the Nizam and British eras, now struggle to maintain their historical and emotional significance, standing as silent witnesses to generations of sorrow and remembrance.
Veteran visitors who attended the All Souls Day ceremonies at the Protestant Cemetery in Narayanguda lamented, “The cemeteries are shabby and neglected. Even the civic bodies do not provide any assistance.” They pointed out that graves over a hundred years old, adorned with antique statues engraved on granite and marble stones, are being left to deteriorate. Most of the British graves have been occupied, leaving only two or three remaining plots. The veterans are demanding better protection and preservation measures for these historical sites.
The old graves tell poignant stories and showcase exquisite craftsmanship. For instance, the grave of Fanny, an infant who died in July 1869, features a meticulously sculpted child angel commissioned by her father from Reginald and Co. in Bombay. It is believed that Italian artists created the angel, who holds a wreath in one hand and clings to a chopped tree bark with the other. The mourning expression on the angel’s face is considered a masterpiece, drawing attention from visitors.
Another iconic grave in the cemetery is that of the “Weeping Mary,” a five-foot-tall monolith of white marble. The statue depicts Mary holding a cross and weeping, with sorrowful eyes that convey deep pain. Tragically, this beautiful piece now lies neglected in nearby garbage dumps.
A. Alexander, a concerned resident, explained, “Some of the marvelous stone works and statues on the graves in this graveyard are missing. These should be protected and preserved as they hold immense historical value.”
Vox populi
The Narayanguda Protestant Cemetary graveyard that is more than two-and-a-half centuries old and is considered one of the oldest in this city. Thousands of people come to offer tributes on All Souls Day. The GHMC never extends any support in maintaining this place.
Jakkar Gari Gabriel
Incharge, Protestant Cemetery, Narayanguda
These graves narrate the history of our city's origins and the roots of its people. The older graves, which hold monumental value, must be preserved. It is essential for the government to take responsibility in maintaining these graveyards.
John Jayaker
Civil engineer
The government must recognise the critical need for graveyards by allocating new land and ensuring regular maintenance of the existing ones. Year after year, this issue is highlighted without any lasting resolution. Authorities need to take proactive and effective measures to address this plight.
Caleb Rayapati
Christian leader
For an extended period, we have been submitting requests to the government for the maintenance of existing burial grounds and the allocation of new land for Christian burial sites. This issue has been pending for a long time, and the government must address it promptly.
Goneh Solomon Raj
Christian leader
