In an extraordinary display of affection and gratitude, a family from Amreli district in Gujarat, India, recently held a ceremonial funeral for their cherished 12-year-old compact car. Dubbed their “lucky car,” the vehicle had been with the Polara family since 2006 and was credited with bringing them years of prosperity and respect.
The farewell event, attended by an estimated 1,500 people, was anything but ordinary. With marigold garlands and rose petals draping its metallic frame, the beloved vehicle was lowered into a 15-foot deep pit in a ritualistic burial, known locally as “samadhi.” This heartfelt send-off cost the family an impressive Rs 4 lakh (INR), signifying the car’s profound sentimental value.
Sanjay Polara, the car’s owner, shared the reasons behind this unique tribute. “This car has been with us since 2006, and it has brought us nothing but good fortune,” Polara stated in an interview with a local publication. “Instead of selling it, I decided to bury it as a tribute to the memories and blessings it gave us.”
As a continuation of this unusual homage, Polara plans to plant a tree at the car’s burial site. The tree will symbolize the enduring legacy of the “lucky car” and serve as a living reminder of the role it played in the family’s journey.
The event, captured on video, quickly gained traction on social media, sparking both amusement and amazement. One user humorously speculated, “Archeological survey will be excavating wagon in year 3024,” while another remarked, “People in the future are gonna trip on this.” A third added, “This happens only in India.”
Despite the lighthearted online commentary, the Polara family’s unique farewell underscores a deeper cultural narrative about gratitude, memory, and the extraordinary ways people choose to honor the past.