Redefining final farewells: a qualitative study of contemporary practices in bidding adieu to ageing parents in urban India

Grief and bereavement are natural responses to the death of loved ones, including ageing parents. Traditionally, religious and cultural rituals helped channel these emotions. However, in contemporary urban India, adult working children face challenges in adhering to such practices due to the fast-paced demands of modern life. This qualitative study examines the evolving farewell practices and the factors contributing to them. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, it explores the experiences of care-giving, coping, and mourning among 24 bereaved individuals, revealing diverse relationship dynamics – from distant to deeply empathetic care. Care-giving patterns varied widely, shaped by family support and life circumstances. Coping mechanisms included emotional resilience and cognitive-behavioural strategies. Farewell rituals reflected a spectrum of grief expressions, with many gravitating towards shorter mourning periods. Yet, some found solace in spiritual exploration or preserving the legacy of the deceased. The study highlights the evolving contours of grief and farewell practices in urban India, reflecting a nuanced negotiation between traditional values and contemporary urban life.