Hindu Death Rituals and Traditions: Etiquette, Attire, Gifts

The death of a loved one is a difficult time for any family and community, and funeral rituals are part of the way to honor the deceased.

Hindu death rituals and customs are ancient practices, steeped in tradition and culture. They carry deep meaning, interwoven in the very fabric of samsara by the life stories of our ancestors.

In this article, we will shed some light on how Hindu traditions honor the deceased and help their souls transition to the afterlife. 

Common Hindu Funeral Traditions

Hinduism rituals for death vary depending on region, caste, and sect but typically involve these elements: 

• Prayers – the deceased’s family will also often visit a temple to dedicate prayers on their behalf. 
• Chanting of mantras or religious verses – during this time, Hindu mourners often recite mantras from sacred texts or from memory in order to provide comfort and protection for the soul of their loved one. 

• Bathing of the body – one of the most significant Hindu death rituals is the washing and dressing of the body. Traditionally, the immediate family members will cleanse and dress the body in white garments as a symbolic way to show respect for the deceased. They may also apply sandalwood paste to the forehead, arms, and chest as this helps to bring peace and serenity to their spirit during its journey into the afterlife.
• Cremation – a Hindu cremation usually takes place on a wood-burning pyre that has been prepared with offerings made by friends and family.
• Gifts – gifts such as fruits or flowers are often presented to the family of the deceased as a sign of respect.

What do Hindus believe happens after death? Death is seen as a new beginning and an opportunity for spiritual growth. Hindus believe that the soul continues its journey after leaving this world and will be reborn in another form, thus making funeral rites and rituals important steps in helping the departed begin their new journey. 

Hindu Death Rituals and Customs

Hindu burial practices vary greatly depending on the region and family, but common customs include wearing traditional white clothing, having a priest guide the funeral proceedings, performing pind daan (making offerings to ancestors), and offering food at the cremation site.

Practices are centered around offering a respectful and spiritual goodbye to the deceased. It’s an important part of releasing the soul from its earthly form and allowing it to move on to the next stage of its spiritual journey.

• Family members may take part in other rituals such as:
  • accompanying the body to its final resting place.
  • bathing or dressing the deceased before the cremation or conducting prayers with a priest present.
• Cremation – cremating the body on a wooden pyre in order to liberate the soul from its earthly ties and break the reincarnation cycle.
• Ashes – it is also customary for ashes from the cremated body to be scattered into a river or other holy place. 

Many Hindus believe that funeral ceremonies can help transition the spirit into its next incarnation, so these sacred ceremonies offer great solace to grieving friends and relatives.  With so many beautiful traditions surrounding Hindu burial practices, it is easy to see why this ancient practice still stands strong today.

The Wake

Wakes take many forms around the world, following different religions, customs, and traditions. For example, a traditional Irish wake is very different from anything you’d experience with Hindu funeral rituals. A Hindu wake, or mritu-samskara, is:

• A period of mourning, usually for 10 days following the death of the deceased.
• Family members and friends will come together to offer their respects and assist each other through the grieving process.
• Mourners often recite mantras from sacred texts or from memory in order to provide comfort and protection for the soul of their departed loved one.  

In contrast – what is an Irish Wake? It offers a very different set of traditions and beliefs. Learn more here.

The Cremation 

Following the wake, a traditional Hindu cremation is performed.

• Th cremation is also ceremony marking the final rite of passage in the bereavement process and serves to allow the spirit of the departed to transition into its next incarnation.
• The ashes are then collected and taken to a holy river, lake, or ocean where they are scattered, to return the body matter back to its primal state of five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether.

The ashes symbolize the cycle of life and death, and is an integral part of Hinduism. By mixing with the sacred water of a holy river or the ocean, these elements are purified and transmuted into spiritual energy. 

This marks the completion of the funeral ritual, signifying that the soul has been released to its next stage of the journey. 

Post-funeral Reception

The post-funeral reception is the final part of a Hindu funeral ceremony.

• This gathering is an opportunity for friends and family to come together to share their stories and memories of the deceased, providing comfort in a time of sorrow.
• The atmosphere at the reception should be respectful yet uplifting, as it serves as a celebration of life rather than mourning death.
• At this point, mourners will often bring food and drinks to share with each other and discuss their fond memories of the deceased.  

Death rituals in Hinduism are steeped in tradition, offering both families and friends an opportunity to pay their respects through meaningful rituals that help transition spirits into the afterlife.

Hindu Mourning Period

The Hindu mourning period is a solemn and important time for Hindus, as it is believed to be the time when the soul of the deceased is released from their body.

• It is believed that after death, the soul continues to linger in the body for up to 13 days. Friends and family gather to honor and pay their respects to the deceased.
• During the mourning period, prayers are said, rituals are performed and food is offered to the deceased.
• It is believed that these rituals help to speed up the process of the soul being released.
• Hindus also believe that the soul uses this time to bid farewell to loved ones and prepare for its journey to the afterlife. 

After the mourning period is complete, a funeral procession is held to send the soul off and the family begins their grieving and mourning process. The Hindu mourning period is a time of reverence and respect for the deceased and their families.

Memorial Events

Hindus have a commemorative service and tradition one year after death.

• Location – usually takes place at the home of the deceased or at a temple and is attended by close family members and friends, as well as a priest. 
• Service –
  • it begins with a prayer to honor the deceased, followed by chanting of sacred mantras and hymns.
  • the priest then leads the gathering in a series of rituals, such as offering food and flowers to the departed soul. 
• Sharing Stories – family members and friends may share stories and memories of the deceased.
• Enjoy a meal together – this is then shared with the deceased’s spirit. The service is concluded with a final prayer and blessing for the deceased.

Funeral Etiquette and Attire

It is important to remember that, generally, only Hindus can attend funeral rituals and cremation, so it is important to respect the wishes of those involved.

When attending a Hindu funeral, there are certain dos and don’ts to be aware of.

• Clothing – it is customary to dress modestly;  mourning clothes are usually preferred, though subdued colors or white may be worn.
• Shoes – should not be worn inside the home or temple and it is respectful to maintain silence throughout the ceremony. 
• Tone – Attendees should show respect by not talking loudly or walking around during the ritual, as this may be disruptive and visitors must refrain from taking photos or videos at the funeral. 

If you are invited to someone’s home or visiting the home of the bereved, it is traditional to bring a fruit gift basket as an expression of sympathy and honor. If you bring other food, Hindu food is primarily vegetarian without onion or garlic.

A few fruit gift basket ideas:

• US
  • Dried Fruit Gift Hamper Tray Turns into Basket https://amzn.to/4bv5snB
  • Fresh Fruit Gift Hamper https://amzn.to/49b5jEj
• UK
  • Dried Fruit Gift Hamper Tray Turns into Basket https://amzn.to/3OGCabL
  • Fresh Fruit Gift Hamper https://amzn.to/3UIfTho

Hindu Funeral Ceremonies Outside of India

Hindu rituals after death and funeral ceremonies outside of India, like in the UK and USA, involve a prayer service, cremation, and a scattering of ashes. A priest is generally present to chant mantras and lead the family and friends in prayers, and the body is dressed in traditional Hindu clothing. 

Afterward, the body is cremated and the ashes are scattered in a sacred river, or kept in an urn for a future ceremony. The cremation ceremony is usually followed by a gathering of family and friends to remember the deceased.

Expressing Your Sympathies

Hindu culture is deeply spiritual and reverent and takes death seriously.

• Expressing sympathy and showing support are two important aspects of paying respect to those grieving the loss of a loved one in Hindu culture. 
• The Indian funeral rites emphasize the act of letting go, rather than dwelling upon grief.
• During this difficult and sensitive time, it is essential to display empathy and allow the bereaved to deal with their sadness and cherish the memory of their beloved person. 
• The family is likely to appreciate kind words, comforting gestures, and meaningful prayers.
• Being present, sending a card, or offering food, incense, and flowers are also meaningful ways to express your sympathies. 

Conclusion

Every culture has its traditions and customs when it comes to death; Hinduism is no exception. This article highlights the various rituals associated with a Hindu death, clearly taking into account the core beliefs of reincarnation and moksha. 

There is an emphasis on preparing for the afterlife by seeking release from attachment to material possessions as well as accepting spiritual teachings gracefully. In general, Hindu death rituals are intended to honor the departed, assist their transition into the next world, and strengthen the community bonds within which they existed.