“In India, the mortal remains of the deceased are taken in a decorated vehicle with a grand procession, with music and firecrackers from the funeral service to the cemetery. In early days, the deceased was carried on a decorated bier or a coffin by the male members of the family, mostly the sons. It was one more patriarchal reason to birth a male child: parents considered it a pride to have their funeral led by their own son. Fast forward to the present, the funeral procession happens in a decorated vehicle exclusively designed for it.
In western countries, the procession trail covers the favourite places of the deceased person as a final journey before cremation.
The encounter of a funeral procession is, interestingly, considered a good omen by some people.”