PADARSHINGA, 25 NOV – A family in India caused a phenomenon when they organized a lavish funeral for their 18-year-old Suzuki Wagon R, which is believed to bring ‘luck’ to the family. The ceremony was attended by over 1,500 people, with expenses reaching over US$4,500.
According to OddityCentral, the head of the family, Sanjay Polara, said they chose to bury the car as a tribute to its nearly two decades of service, rather than send it to a recycling center. “This car is more than just a vehicle; it is part of our family’s journey of success. Instead of selling it, we want to give eternal memories for future generations,” he said.
Polara, which runs a construction business in Surat, also owns several luxury vehicles such as Audi. However, he considers the Suzuki Wagon R as a symbol of family success and luck.
As part of the ceremony, a 15 feet deep pit was dug in their residential area. The car was lowered into the pit using an excavator and decorated with garlands, covered in green cloth and accompanied by music from portable speakers. Various rituals were also performed before the car was buried using earthmoving machinery.
The ceremony also involves the construction of a samadhi (memorial monument) at the burial site and Polara plans to plant a tree in the area as a symbol of remembrance for the next generation.
The phenomenon is not the first time it has happened. In 2017, a farmer from Uruguay, Alcides Ravel, also buried his Ford F-350 after 48 years of service. In fact, there are also cases where individuals bury their relatives with their favorite vehicles. – Agency