Hindu
Posted 01 Jun 2023
in Cultural Ceremonies
A Hindu funeral varies across different Hindu traditions and regions, aiming to guide the departed soul through a series of rituals including cremation and prayers to its next journey.
Hindu funerals can include
- Visitation
- Or funeral takes place in the family home immediately after death
- Cremation
- In most Hindu traditions, cremation is the primary method of disposition, symbolizing the release of the soul from the body and its return to the elements. This usually happens within the first 24-48 hours.
- Shraddha
- A ceremony to honour the deceased’s ancestors approximately 10 days after death.
- Washing
- The body is washed with special ingredients such as milk, honey, ghee and yoghurt. The deceased is anointed with essential oils.
- Flowers, rice & water
- Attendees offer rice balls (pinda) and a garland of flowers around the deceased. Water is sprinkled on the body to symbolise cleansing.
- Scattering of ashes
- The dispersal of the deceased’s ashes in a sacred body of water symbolises the soul’s liberation.
- Mourning Period
- Family members observe various periods of mourning and restrictions on activities, which vary in length based on the relationship with the deceased.
The information provided is a brief summary only and may not include all aspects of traditional funeral rites.
