Because Hindus believe that the deceased will live other lives, they have a sense that the self will endure. A funeral is sacred, therefore, because it represents the completion of a stage in the life.
Hindus may cremate or bury their dead, although cremation is the preferred method. Many spread the askes or remains of the dead in the Ganges River. The Ganges, or Ganga, has life-giving eternal properties, and Hindus worship it as a goddess.
Because Hindus believe that the deceased will live other lives, they have a sense that the self will endure. A funeral is sacred, therefore, because it represents the completion of a stage in the life. In other words, death for Hindus marks the beginning of a new journey, influenced by how they lived in this world.
Through the funeral ceremony, the surviving family helps to usher the dead into his or her next life:
- The family prepares the body at home.
- A procession carries the body to the burning ground or the cemetery. The procession usually passes by a river considered sacred by Hindus.
- The pyre is lit (in the case of cremation), or the body is placed in the grave (in the case of burial). Higher castes are more likely to cremate their dead; lower castes are more likely to bury their dead.
- The chief mourner (usually the eldest son) walks around the body. This action symbolizes offering the dead to the next world.
- A large ceramic pot of water is broken over the fire or grave.
- Mourners ritually bathe.
- The family gives a cow as a sacred offering.
- After the person is cremated, the family gathers the bones and ashes and disperses them into a sacred river.
Hindu Funeral Dress Etiquette
It is the funeral custom for family members to wear white. Those attending the funeral should wear dark conservative clothing. Although sending flowers is not traditional, it is acceptable.
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| Planning for Death | Cremation Ashes | Flower Etiquette |
