Indian funeral services are quite diverse because India is home to many religions and cultural traditions. The rituals, practices, and mourning customs depend on the deceased's faith, region, and family traditions.

Here's a step-by-step guide to a traditional Hindu funeral (the most common in India):

Hindu Funeral Rituals (Step by Step)

 

1. Preparing the Body

   • The body is bathed with water, sometimes mixed with holy Ganga water.

   • Dressed in fresh, simple clothes (men: white, women: red/white if widowed).

   • A tilak (sandal paste, turmeric, or vibhuti) is applied on the forehead.

   • Tulsi leaves or holy ash may be placed in the mouth/hands.

   • The body is placed on a bamboo stretcher (arthi), wrapped in white cloth.

2. Procession to Cremation Ground

   • Relatives and friends accompany the body in a procession.

   • The eldest son or male relative leads, carrying a fire pot (matti).

   • Mantras or prayers (Ram Nam Satya Hai) are chanted.

3. Cremation (Antyesti-Last Rites)

   • The body is placed on the funeral pyre, feet facing south (direction of Yama, god of death).

   • The eldest son (chief mourner) performs rituals:

     • Circumambulates the pyre 3 times with fire.

     • Lights the pyre, usually at the mouth of the deceased.

   • Priests chant mantras for the soul's peace and liberation.

4. Post-Cremation Rituals

   • The family collects ashes (Asthi) after 1-3 days.

   • Ashes are immersed in a sacred river (commonly the Ganges) for spiritual release.

5. Mourning Period

   • Family observes a mourning period of 10-13 days:

     • No celebrations or auspicious activities.

     • Daily rituals and food offerings (pinda-rice balls) are made for the departed soul.

     • A priest guides the family through ceremonies.

6. 13th Day Ceremony (Shraddha / Terahvin)

   • Considered the purification day.

   • Rituals are performed to help the soul unite with ancestors (pitru).

   • A feast is held for family, relatives, and Brahmins.

7. Annual Remembrance

   • Shraddha is performed every year on the death anniversary (Tithi).

   • During Pitru Paksha (ancestor fortnight), offerings are made to all ancestors.

The essence: Hindu funerals focus on helping the Atman (soul) detach from the body and move towards moksha (liberation).