AP PHOTOS: Scarf, comb show changes to Hindu cremation rites

A comb. A toothbrush. A bangle. A cotton scarf — protection from the summer heat now used as a face mask.

The personal belongings of cremated COVID-19 victims lie strewn around the grounds of the Ulubari cremation ground in Gauhati, the biggest city in India’s remote northeast.

It’s a fundamental change from the rites and traditions that surround death in the Hindu religion. And, perhaps, also reflects the grim fears grieving people — shaken by the deaths of their loved ones — have of the coronavirus in India, where more than 405,000 people have died. Hindus believe cremation of the body frees the soul so it can be reborn, and they often burn belongings that were with the body at the time of the death.

World Cup

Peru’s Edison Flores, left, and Australia’s Joshua Risdon challenge for the ball during the group C match between Australia and Peru, at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Fisht Stadium in Sochi, Russia, Tuesday, June 26, 2018.

World Cup

Brazil’s Neymar celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the group E match between Brazil and Costa Rica at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the St. Petersburg Stadium in St. Petersburg, Russia, Friday, June 22, 2018.

World Cup

Argentina’s Lionel Messi reacts after the third goal of Croatia during the group D match between Argentina and Croatia at the 2018 soccer World Cup in Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, Thursday, June 21, 2018. Croatia won 3-0.

International Yoga Day

A dog sleeps in the midst of exile Tibetan school children who participate in a joint yoga session at the Tsuglakhang temple to mark the International Yoga Day in Dharmsala, India, Thursday, June 21, 2018. Dozens of school children and government officials participated in the event.

World Cup

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, left, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the group B match between Portugal and Morocco at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, June 20, 2018.

Early penalty helps Japan beat Colombia 2-1 at World Cup

Japan’s Yuya Osako, center, scores his side second goal during the group H match between Colombia and Japan at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Mordavia Arena in Saransk, Russia, Tuesday, June 19, 2018.

World Cup

Colombia’s Juan Quintero celebrates after scoring his side’s first goal during the group H match between Colombia and Japan at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Mordavia Arena in Saransk, Russia, Tuesday, June 19, 2018.