Call to Cancel Senya Beraku 'Eguradze' Custom.
Last Thursday , 27th January, 2022, the streets of Senya Beraku were flooded with female processions to the houses of all deceased persons who were to be buried during the weekend. These women carried on their heads assorted items called 'eguradze', beautifully wrapped in buskets, and silver and plastic bowls and buckets. The items included soaps, powder, cloths, rice, oil, towels, sponges, etc. and specific amount of money demanded by the deceased family from the deceased female in-laws and close relatives whose spouses are from the house. As the name, 'eguradze' (bathing wares), implies, the items are meant to bath the dead before lying in state on Friday and Saturday. The older women of the maternal house of the deceased, who are responsible for bathing the dead, would share the money and the rest of the items after discharging their duties. Years back, there were very few items presented for the 'eguradze', generally limited to what was needed for the bat