Funerals and Religious Ceremonies

Hindu Funeral

Interfuneral is an agency specialised in funeral services and offers assistance with the planning and organisation of funerals.

Here are some of the services that Interfuneral might offer for a Hindu funeral:

Consultation and planning

Interfuneral can provide personalised consultation to the family of the deceased, helping them to plan and customise the funeral service according to their needs and preferences, including the selection of specific elements for the ceremony.

Organisation of the ceremony

Interfuneral takes care of the practical organisation of the ceremony, ensuring that all necessary elements are in place for the service.

A funeral with a Hindu religious ceremony follows a series of specific practices and rituals from the Hindu tradition.

Overview of a Hindu funeral with religious ceremony

1

Preparation of the body

The body of the deceased is washed and prepared with the utmost respect.

In Hindu tradition, this process is often carried out by close family members.

2

Cremation

In most cases, Hindus are cremated, as cremation is considered a form of liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

The cremation typically takes place outdoors, and the ashes are collected and scattered in a sacred river or a meaningful location.

3

Funeral service (Antyesti)

The Hindu funeral service is called "Antyesti". During this ceremony, family members and community members recite sacred mantras and prayers, often guided by a Hindu priest.

The prayers and readings may come from sacred texts such as the Bhagavad Gita.

4

Farewell rituals (Kriya)

After the cremation, there may be farewell rituals during which the family makes offerings to the deceased and prays for their well-being in the afterlife. These rituals vary depending on regional traditions and caste.

5

Mourning period

After the funeral, the family of the deceased may observe a mourning period, during which they avoid social and celebratory activities for a certain period of time.

6

Shraddha

After the cremation, the family may hold a special ceremony called "Shraddha", which may include food offerings and donations in the name of the deceased for the benefit of the soul.

7

Pilgrimage (Tirtha)

In some cases, the family may choose to undertake a pilgrimage to sacred places or rivers to scatter the ashes of the deceased and offer prayers for their soul.

These are just some of the elements that characterise a funeral with a Hindu religious ceremony.

Specific practices may vary depending on regional traditions, caste, and family beliefs.

However, the primary goal remains to honour the deceased according to the prescriptions of the Hindu tradition and to offer spiritual comfort to the family and friends.

In general, Interfuneral is committed to providing a complete and respectful service that meets the needs and beliefs of the deceased’s family, ensuring that the Hindu funeral is conducted with dignity and devotion.