Exhibition of Michael Gleich’s photos on final farewell traditions opens at Museum Park

Adoor Gopalakrishnan inaugurates four-day show put up by Goethe-Zentrum

Trivandrum / November 5, 2025

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 05: A four-day exhibition of photos by celebrated German photographer and journalist Michael Gleich on final farewell traditions of cultures around the world opened in Museum Park in the city today.

Eminent filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan inaugurated the exhibition, organised by the German cultural and language institute Goethe Zentrum. Michael Gleich was also present.

The free-to-walk-in exhibition, themed ‘Silence Alive, the Global Culture of Farewell’, features an assortment of photos by Michael Gleich on final farewell traditions from across the world.

The final farewell rituals bring a little solace to the bereaved and not for the dead, Shri Gopalakrishnan noted.

The practice of cremating bodies is believed to have come to India some 800 years ago. The cremation is followed by several rituals which are actually performed for a little relief of the bereaved, he noted.

The final farewell traditions of various cultures around the world differ only in forms, symbols and rituals while the emotion remains the same when it comes in honouring the dead, Gleich noted, adding he saw cemeteries and other final resting grounds as places of silence, peace and enduring memories.

Dr. Syed Ibrahim, Honorary Consul, Federal Republic of Germany, and Director, Goethe-Zentrum said that the Goethe-Zentrum considers it as a great honour that it could organise an exhibition of Michale Gleich’s photos. The way Gleich looks at the final journey as a reality is thought provoking, he added.

Dr. Achuthsankar S Nair, academic and former director of Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (C-DIT) also spoke.

The exhibition offers a vivid glance into the final farewell traditions around the world, including those of the Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Chinese communities, clicked by Michael Gleich. During his visit to Kerala, Michael had documented the Hindu tradition of open-air cremation in Kannur.

The images focus on the universal desire of bidding a dignified farewell to loved ones. Gleich’s work is hailed for its high aesthetic value and celebrated as an artistic contribution to honouring the dead.

ENDS