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 Sympathy > Funeral Etiquette
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Hinduism
Funerals usually take place within 24 hours after a death occurs. Embalming is forbidden because it is believed that the body must remain intact for the afterlife. The first-born son is in charge of the funeral arrangements. The funeral service usually takes place at a funeral home. Holy Montras (scriptures) are chanted by a Hindu priest who evokes the help of gods and deities to provide the soul the spiritual guidance to reach the eternal world successfully. Flowers may be placed on top of the deceased and a short service takes place at the crematorium. It is traditional that all Hindus are to be cremated. It is customary for bereaving family members wear white, and those attending the funeral should wear dark conservative clothing. Although sending flowers is not traditional, it is acceptable.
After these funeral rituals take place, Hindus are expected to grieve for 11 to 13 days. During this time family and friends are expected to visit the family and offer comfort and support. It is customary to bring gifts of food especially fruit. However, the direct family must strictly reduce their diets during this period. They are prohibited from consuming meat, salt, and certain vegetables. They are still required to wear white, the colour of mourning. By the last day of mourning, the Hindu priest conducts a ceremony in memory of the deceased where all family members participate. This will end the period of mourning allowing family members to return to their everyday lives. On the one-year anniversary, another ceremony takes place and it is then decided what is to be done with the ashes of the deceased. Depending on finances, family wishes and extent of the family's faith, it is most Hindus’ desire to have their ashes scattered in the holiest of places such as the Himalayas or the Ganges River.
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