My father passed away recently. The Sastrigal/pandit wants ₹2.5 lacs for performing the last rites, from day 1 to day 13. After some heated negotiation (I was in a mind to settle his account after the first day and choose someone else) he has agreed for ₹1.5 lacs. I have already spent ₹40k apart from this. My mother and other elders were against replacing him saying he is guru and has been with the family for 30 years and so on. But shouldn't a guru discuss with us about our budget and options? It is these kinds of sentiments they play upon. How does one justify ₹2.5 lacs expense for last rites? What will be the position of less well to do people? Doesn't this amount to fleecing? Don't give me bs about won't we pay doctor or lawyer, Sastri doesn't have PF and Pension etc. We also have income tax, thay don't.