Hyderabad’s Funeral Funds: Societies Ensure Hassle-Free Burials for Families
In Hyderabad, while people usually focus on earning and spending for worldly comforts, many also set aside money to ensure a hassle-free funeral. Various ‘anjumans’ (societies) across the city offer support by establishing ‘maiyath’ (corpse) funds, helping individuals prepare for funeral expenses in advance.
By becoming a member of these societies, individuals can contribute a small monthly amount—typically ₹50 or ₹100—and secure financial support for their families upon their passing. The payout, meant to cover funeral costs, varies depending on the society and the member’s contribution. Some societies provide ₹10,000 to the deceased’s family, while others offer up to ₹20,000. In certain cases, individuals hold multiple memberships, allowing their families to receive funds from more than one source.
Currently, around 75 such societies are active in Hyderabad and its suburbs, with memberships ranging from 500 to 5,000 individuals. Similar initiatives exist in different districts of Telangana, managed by local community elders.
“These societies were originally formed to support the underprivileged during difficult times, but they now include members from all social and economic backgrounds,” said Yazdani Baig, who is associated with a society in Jahanuma.
Who Are the Members?
Most members belong to middle and working-class backgrounds, including pensioners, small business owners, and daily-wage workers. Some affluent individuals also enroll on behalf of financially struggling families to provide support in times of need. The primary motivation behind joining these funds is to spare their families the stress of arranging burial expenses during a difficult time. “By contributing to the fund during their lifetime, they ensure a dignified farewell when the time comes,” said Shaik Rabbani, who runs a society in Kishanbagh.
When a member passes away, a representative from the society’s managing committee visits the family and hands over the designated financial assistance. “While some families prefer to manage expenses themselves, others accept the support and sometimes donate the amount to mosques or those in need,” shared Mirza Salim Baig from a society in Falaknuma.
These funeral funds continue to provide financial relief and dignity to countless families across the city.
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