DesiPundit

The Mountaintop has a fascinating post on rituals surrounding death, and how death is far from being a great leveler.

Single, childless and female - You are in the lowest rung of the ritual ladder. In short you might as well have not existed. From finding the right relative to perform your last rites you pose a challenge to the system in all its glory.

Male/Female - Married - Well you atleast are qualified for something. Oh you are Married and widowed - Well your path on the route to pitr-hood is not that easy particularly if you are a female. May be a little better if you are Male. Married Male with surviving spouse and progeny - READ MALE PROGENY. Welcome to the world of Pitrhood. For you the doors of rituals open.