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Funeral rites are a significant aspect of Hindu culture, offering a structured way to honor the deceased and provide solace to the living. Observing proper etiquette at a Hindu funeral is essential in showing respect to the departed and their family. This guide outlines the key aspects of Hindu funeral practices, including appropriate attire, traditions, and respectful behaviors. Understanding these elements helps in paying the right respects and supports the grieving process by adhering to cultural norms.
The Hindu view of death is rooted in reincarnation, where there is a cycle of birth and death, Samsara.[1] Hindus believe that souls are eternal – after death, one’s soul remains unchanged, and is taken along with them to the next life.[2]
Hindus Funerals are centred around aiding the deceased’s soul pass to the next life. Hindu funerals thus typically take place within 24 hours of passing, and traditional Hindus opted, if they could, to die at home to be in the presence of a familiar environment with their loved ones present.
It is note-worthy that there are many differing sects of Hinduism, which adopt different perspectives of death.
1) Washing and Preparing the Body
The body is washed, traditionally with milk and honey among others, and anointed with essential oils. Mantras would be chanted during the washing process. [3]
The deceased can be dressed in a simple white sheet, or modern clothing. Flowers are also placed on the body. An oil lamp can be placed on the deceased’s head to guide the deceased’s soul.
2) Hindu Wake
A wake is held, typically at the deceased’s home, where all are invited to pay their respects to the deceased and express their condolences to the family.
Wakes typically only last about a day, as cremation should take place as soon as possible to aid the deceased’s soul in passing onto the next life.
3) Cremation
Hindus typically prefer cremation, and it can be seen as “life’s final sacrifice”, and frees the soul from its body in this life. [4]
The Hindu cremation ceremony, “Mukhagni”, occurs at the crematorium, where Hindu priests would pray, chant and sing for the deceased. [5]
4) Post-Cremation Mourning Period
Hindus observe a 10-day mourning period after the passing, after which, a “Shraddha” service may be held to commemorate the deceased with chanting, praying and readings from scripture. [6]
1) Avoid Black, Wear White - Funeral Attire
It is advised to wear white to a Hindu funeral and avoid wearing black, since white represents cleansing of the soul and a return to purity, thus the chosen colour for funerals. White also represents a newness, mirroring the soul being free from worldly attachment after death. [1]
Conservative dressing is also advised.
2) Observe Rituals with Respect
While rituals occur, please observe with respect. Immediate family members might have roles to play during the ritual.
3) Do not send flowers during the wake or cremation
Flowers are important in Hinduism, and specific flowers are chosen to assist the deceased’s soul in their journey to the next life. Thus, additional flowers the guests bring might negatively affect this journey, and guests should not being flowers to the wake or cremation. [2]
After the cremation has concluded, flowers are a thoughtful expression of condolence, as they are for all other funerals.
4) Donations
In Singapore, monetary contributions are also common.Contributions are typically used to cover the expenses of the wake by thefamily. Donations are voluntary, with chief importance to be sincerein your expression of condolence to the family.
5) Respect their beliefs, regardless of yours
As with all other religions, please respect the beliefs andtraditions of the funeral, regardless of your beliefs. Understanding the origins of their traditions and beliefs aids one in respecting the processions.
Your presence, empathy and respect will go a long way in remembering and honouring the deceased and provide comfort to their next-of-kin, knowing that they are not alone in grief.
[1] https://www.hinduamerican.org/blog/5-things-to-know-about-hindus-and-death
[2] https://www.hinduamerican.org/blog/coping-with-death-a-hindu-perspective
[3] https://www.myfarewelling.com/article/hindu-funeral
[4] https://www.hinduamerican.org/blog/coping-with-death-a-hindu-perspective
[6] https://www.myfarewelling.com/article/hindu-funeral
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