Hindu Funerals
The Hindu funeral is based on a belief in reincarnation, meaning that when someone dies, their soul reincarnates into a different physical body or life form.
A Hindu funeral service will depend on the sect or family traditions.
Cremation is normal in the Hindu faith for a funeral service. Ideally, the cremation will take place within 24 hours of death.
A simple casket or coffin is used, with flowers placed at the feet and a flower garland around their neck. Sandalwood is usually smeared on the forehead of males and turmeric on the forehead of females. Traditionally, the washing of the deceased would be undertaken by the bereaved if possible.
The coffin would be carried into the crematorium feet first, while prayers are recited.
Traditionally, the day after the Hindu funeral the ashes would be scattered in the River Ganges but for Hindus living outside of India may choose to repatriate the ashes or scatter locally in a body of water if repatriation isn't possible.
For 13 days after the funeral, the bereaved will remain in a period of mourning. They will normally display a photo of the person that has died, adorned with flowers.
Mourners are expected to white simple clothing at a Hindu funeral service.
An open coffin is usual but touching of the person that has died isn't encouraged. Flowers can be given to the bereaved but not during the funeral and it isn't appropriate to bring food as a gift.
The Hindu funeral is based on a belief of reincarnation, that the soul of the person who has died will reincarnate into a different physical body or life form, depending on their actions during their current life.
With over a billion Hindu's worldwide, Hinduism first originated in India. To leave the repetitive cycle of birth and death, a person must attain moksha, a state of liberation where the soul is absorbed into Brahman, the transcendental life force in the Universe.
Although this belief is widely accepted in Hinduism, there are many denominations of Hinduism each with differing customs and beliefs.
