I have read Khorshed Oomrigar’s letter ("Worli Prayer Hall,” Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, September 7, 2016). I would like her to provide evidence from the scriptures that says "a dead body should not be touched by the relatives.” Religion is what the Gathas say, and there is nothing in the Gathas about what to do with a dead body. The Gathas are about living life fruitfully.
The Vendidad, written by later priests, speaks about "traditions” that existed in the Middle Ages. Even in the Vendidad nowhere is it stated that relatives cannot touch the dead body. In fact, the book does not mention any provision for paid......