Friends perform emotional Māori Haka at the funeral of 17-year-old Jarom Rihari, creating a deeply moving moment that has touched people around the world. Originally performed in 2017 in Hamilton, New Zealand, the haka was an expression of grief, respect, and farewell as his friends and family honored him in the most powerful way they knew.
This incredible display of emotion, tradition, and unity resurfaced on Reddit recently, going viral once again and reminding the world of the haka’s profound cultural and emotional significance.
The Significance of the Māori Haka in Grief and Mourning
The haka is one of the most well-known and deeply respected cultural traditions of the Māori people. Although it is often associated with war challenges and sports teams like the All Blacks rugby team, the haka is much more than just a performance.
It is an ancient ceremonial war dance used to express a range of emotions, from celebration and unity to grief and remembrance. In the context of a funeral, a haka serves as a powerful farewell to the deceased, allowing the performers to express their sorrow, respect, and love in a deeply personal and communal way.
At Jarom Rihari’s tangi (Māori funeral rite), his friends and family gathered to perform this sacred dance as his hearse was about to depart. The video of this moment captures not just a choreographed performance, but an outpouring of emotion that words alone could not convey.
Read : Once Again, New Zealand’s Youngest MP Leads Traditional Māori Dance in Parliament: Watch
As the haka begins, a small group of young men stand in formation, their bodies tense with grief. Their leader, the first to raise his voice, struggles to continue as emotion overtakes him. Yet, as more voices join in, the haka grows in intensity, creating a moment of unity where the pain of loss is shared among all present.
This is the most heartbreaking Haka, at a young man's funeral, led by his brother and friends … pic.twitter.com/GqIuBKkO3z
— The Figen (@TheFigen_) February 24, 2025
This raw and visceral display of grief has resonated deeply with viewers worldwide. The haka’s rhythmic movements, synchronized foot stomping, and powerful chanting make it an incredibly moving experience to witness.
For those unfamiliar with Māori culture, it provides a glimpse into the deep respect and communal mourning that this tradition represents. It is not merely a farewell; it is an acknowledgment of a life lived, a declaration of undying respect, and an emotional sendoff that connects the living with the departed.
The Viral Resurgence of Jarom Rihari’s Funeral Haka
The original video of the haka at Jarom Rihari’s funeral was first uploaded to YouTube in 2017, gaining significant international attention at the time. However, the video has once again surfaced on Reddit, bringing it back into the global spotlight.
With hundreds of thousands of views and thousands of comments, the haka has once again struck a chord with people of all backgrounds.
One of the most poignant aspects of the video is the visible struggle of the haka leader as he fights back tears while leading the chant. His pain is palpable, his voice breaking under the weight of loss.
Yet, instead of stopping, he is joined by others who lend their voices, reinforcing the idea that grief is not meant to be carried alone. This moment of solidarity is one of the reasons why the video has had such a profound impact on viewers.
Reddit users have been deeply moved by the haka’s intensity. One comment read, “When he started to break a little, I could feel a small part of his pain. An incredible display of personal strength.”
Another user reflected on the universal nature of the haka’s message, saying, “This is a tribal feeling. No matter where you’re from, this is humanity coming together in a way that has been passed down for generations. Truly powerful.”
Others compared the haka to an artistic expression of grief, stating that it transcends language and cultural barriers. “It’s like poetry, but conveyed with even more raw emotion and passion,” one user wrote. The haka, in this context, became more than just a cultural practice; it became a universal language of sorrow, love, and remembrance.
The Tragic Reality of Youth Suicide and the Power of Collective Mourning
The tragedy of Jarom Rihari’s passing, suspected to be a suicide, brings attention to the issue of youth mental health and the importance of support systems in times of crisis. In many cultures, grief is often a solitary experience, with individuals mourning in silence or isolation.
However, the Māori tradition of performing a haka together at a funeral presents a different approach—one that emphasizes communal support, shared sorrow, and collective strength.
For many who watched the video, the haka served as a stark reminder of the impact of suicide on families and communities. The visible grief in the faces and voices of Jarom’s friends was a testament to how deeply he was loved and how profoundly his loss was felt.
Suicide, particularly among young people, is a growing concern in many parts of the world. The resurgence of this video has reignited conversations about mental health awareness, the need for open discussions about emotional struggles, and the importance of seeking help when in distress.
In Māori culture, tangihanga (the traditional funeral process) is not just about saying goodbye—it is about honoring the spirit of the departed and ensuring that they are remembered with love and respect.
The haka at Jarom’s funeral was a final tribute to him, an acknowledgment that he was not alone in life nor in death. It was a reminder to all watching that grief can be expressed openly, that sorrow does not have to be hidden, and that remembrance can be a powerful and moving act of love.
As the video continues to be shared and discussed online, its impact extends beyond the moment of Jarom’s funeral. It serves as a call to recognize the struggles faced by young people, to offer support and understanding, and to embrace cultural expressions of grief that allow for healing through unity. The haka, in this instance, is more than just a tribute—it is a message that no one should have to face their pain alone.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏