There is no better way to test how much people care about you than by staging your own death.

At least, this is what former Indian Air Force veteran, Mohan Lal, did as a social experiment.

The 74-year-old faked his own death and funeral in full traditional style in the village of Konchi, in the Gaya district.

Covered with a white sheet, Mohan laid in a coffin – adorned with garlands made out of flowers – and was carried in a procession towards a crematorium, all just to find out how many people would attend and how much affection he would receive.

Believing that the funeral was real and that the veteran had actually passed away, hundreds of neighbours and friends poured into Konchi to attend.

At the end of the procession, the dad-of-two rose up, showing that he was alive.

He said: ‘After death, people carry the bier [a stand for carrying a coffin], but I wanted to witness it myself and see how much respect and affection people give me.’

A symbolic effigy was eventually burned at the crematorium followed by a communal feast for everyone in Konchi.

Mohan had previously funded and built a well-equipped crematorium in the village to address the difficulties of funeral services during rainy seasons.

Resident told local media that he is well-respected in the village for his years of social contribution.