Family mourns pet fish after 20-year bond in Odisha, performs last rites

In a rare and deeply emotional incident, an entire family in Odisha’s Balasore district is grieving the loss of their beloved pet fish, with whom they shared an extraordinary bond for more than two decades.

The fish, a giant gourami, had been an integral part of the household of Sanjay Das in Balasore town. Das had brought the fish from Jamshedpur over 20 years ago, when it measured barely two inches in length. Over the years, under the family’s care, it grew to nearly three feet long and weighed around four kilograms.

Treated as a member of the family, the fish would respond when called and eat food directly given by family members. For nearly 20 years and four months, it remained 'one of their own', forging a bond that went far beyond that of a typical pet.

The fish recently passed away, leaving the family heartbroken. Its sudden demise has created a void in the household, with family members struggling to cope with the loss. The grief was particularly visible in a young boy of the family, who appeared devastated by the loss of what he considered a close companion.

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Following the fish’s death, the family decided to bid a dignified and emotional farewell. Instead of discarding the body, they performed its last rites. The fish was buried in soil in a tray on the rooftop of the house, and a rose sapling was planted at the spot as a symbol of remembrance. The family continues to nurture the plant, keeping alive the memory of their cherished pet.

The touching incident has drawn attention to the profound emotional bonds humans can form with animals, birds, and even fish. It serves as a reminder that such relationships, built on care and companionship, can be just as deep and meaningful as those shared with people, and their loss can bring immense grief.