All Traditional Hindu Funeral & Death Rituals
The Hindu religion teaches that when someone dies, the soul passes into another body. That belief in reincarnation provides the foundation for Hindu funeral rituals. Although different groups have slightly different practices, there is a common set of Hindu funeral rituals they all follow.
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What is a Hindu Funeral?
Hindu death rituals dictate that cremation is the norm, but the body remains in the family's home until it is moved to the cremation location.
A Hindu funeral may have three parts:
- A wake/funeral in the family's home
- A cremation ceremony ("mukhagni")
- A "shraddha" ceremony
The actual funeral takes place in the home, although actual event could be considered a wake by western standards, due to its short length. The cremation ceremony takes place at the place of cremation after the body has been moved from the home. There may also be a third Hindu funeral ceremony (shraddha) that takes place about 10 days after the death.
Hindu Funeral Rituals & Traditions
A Hindu funeral typically takes place within one day and sometimes two days after the time of death. No gifts or flowers should be brought to the funeral, although flowers may be sent or brought ahead of time.
Hindu funeral rituals take the form of chants, or mantras, which are specially written to be chanted at funerals. The officiant is a Hindu priest, who also presides over all the Hindu funeral rites, leading the family and other mourners in the various Hindu death rituals.
At the cremation, however, it's typically the eldest son who presides, with the priest overseeing the activities, though different Hindu groups may follow different Hindu funeral rites. Here in the United States, cremation must be performed by licensed crematories. Most make allowances for the cremation ceremony to take place, however, so that Hindu death rituals may be performed on site.
Due to the short time frame of cremation, no embalming is necessary.
After the cremation, there may also be a reception at the family's home. It may be just for family, so check to see what has been planned for the particular funeral you'll be attending.
Hindu Funeral Rituals FAQ
What are Hindu funerals like?
Hindu funeral rituals and traditions vary, but in general, you can expect to hear mantras being chanted around the departed person's body at a home funeral. read more
How are Hindus buried?
Traditionally, the cremation ceremony involves a ritual burning of the body, attended to by a Hindu priest and male family members. Sometimes guests attend... read more
What takes place during the Hindu cremation ceremony?
Cremation is chosen because Hindus believe that cremation is the fastest way to aid the soul in escaping the body. Cremation rituals vary from place to... read more
What do people do at a Hindu funeral?
If they are Hindu, they participate in the chanting of mantras. If not, they may sit quietly during the chanting. Otherwise, one views the body upon... read more
What do you wear to an Indian funeral?
Wear white, not black, and dress conservatively. read more
How long after death is a Hindu funeral?
Typically, Hindu families try to have the funeral within 24 hours after death, after which the body will be cremated. read more
What is preta-karma?
The preta-karma is an important Hindu death rituals that takes place during the period of mourning. It serves to help the deceased person's soul move from... read more
Is there a mourning period for Hindus?
There is a 10-day period after the death, during which the immediate family follows Hindu mourning customs. They refrain from visiting the family shrine and... read more