Declared Dead, 103-Year-Old Woman ‘Returns’ Just In Time For Her Birthday Cake

In a bizarre and rare turn of events, a 103-year-old woman in Maharashtra’s Nagpur stunned her family and neighbours after being found alive moments before her cremation, turning a day of mourning into one of celebration.

The incident took place in Nagpur’s Ramtek when Gangabai Savji Sakhare, a great grandmother, was believed to have passed away on Monday evening after her body showed no movement, news agency PTI reported.

As per her relatives, she had been bedridden for two months and was surviving on two spoonfuls of water a day for the past few days. After presuming her dead, her family proceeded with funeral preparations and informed relatives, many of whom travelled from nearby areas to attend the last rites. It was not known if a medical

certificate was obtained.

“We thought she was no more. Her body was not moving at all,” her grandson, Rakesh Sakhare told the news agency.

Rakesh further said that the family dressed her new clothes, tied her hands and feet, and cotton plugs were placed in her nostrils in accordance with tradition. As preparations for the cremation were underway, relatives gathered to pay their final respects.

The family also erected a canopy outside the house, arranged chairs, brought material for cremation, and even booked a hearse. Messages about her death were shared on social media, and relatives began arriving from distant places.

However, around 7 pm, Gangabai suddenly moved her toes. Rakesh said that he noticed a faint movement in her toes. Alarmed, family members immediately removed the cotton from her nostrils. To their shock, Gangabai took a deep breath, confirming that she was alive.

“I noticed her feet moving and shouted for help. When we removed the cotton from her nose, she started breathing heavily.”

People who had gathered at the house could not believe their eyes. The hearse was cancelled, the canopy was removed, and guests were informed that Gangabai was alive. Neighbours described the centenarian as a “living miracle” as word of the incident spread through the area.

Interestingly, January 13 is Gangabai’s birthday. “This incident has given her a new lease of life,” said Rakesh. “We will now celebrate her birthday this evening,” he added.

Gangabai currently lives with her daughter Kusuma Ambade. Despite her age, relatives said she was active until a few months ago.

(With inputs from agencies)