Guide to Hindu Funerals

In Hinduism, death is understood as the soul (Atman) leaving the physical body and continuing its journey towards Moksha — liberation from the cycle of rebirth. The rituals surrounding death are designed to honour the departing soul, bring comfort to the family, and support the soul's onward journey.

At Gills Funeral Care, we work closely with Hindu families, pandits, and mandirs to ensure every ceremony is conducted with reverence, accuracy, and care.

Hinduism teaches that the Atman (soul) is eternal and does not die with the body. At death, the Atman leaves the body and, depending on the person's karma, either reincarnates or attains Moksha.

The body is seen as a temporary vessel. After death it is treated with great respect but is not mourned as the person's true self. The rituals performed help the soul transition safely and support the grieving family.

Different traditions within Hinduism — Vaishnavite, Shaivite, regional and family customs — may observe slightly different rites. We will always ask your family and pandit what is right for you.

When a Hindu person passes away, there are several important steps the family may wish to take immediately:

• The body should ideally be placed on the floor (or a low surface), representing a return to the earth — though this is not always practical in a UK setting and alternatives can be discussed.
• A lamp (diya) may be lit near the head of the deceased, and the name of God may be chanted or prayers read aloud.
• The eyes and mouth should be gently closed. The body is covered with a white cloth.
• The family should contact us as soon as possible. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The ritual washing and dressing of the body is an important act of devotion performed by family members of the same sex, often with the guidance of a pandit.

• The body is bathed with water, sometimes mixed with Panchagavya (five products of the cow) or Gangajal (holy water from the Ganges), if available.
• The body is then dressed in white (or sometimes saffron) clothing. Married women may be dressed in red or a colour of their choice.
• Sandal paste (chandan) may be applied to the forehead and other parts of the body.
• A tulsi leaf and Gangajal may be placed in the mouth before the funeral.

We can provide a private, respectful space for this preparation and support the family at every stage.

The Hindu funeral ceremony is called Antim Sanskar, meaning ‘last rite of passage’. It is conducted with Vedic prayers, offerings, and the lighting of the funeral pyre.

Before cremation, the ceremony typically includes:

• The body being placed on a bier decorated with flowers and taken in procession to the place of cremation.
• Prayers and mantras recited by a pandit, guiding the soul through its transition.
• Pinda daan — offerings of rice balls made on behalf of the deceased.
• Flowers, incense, and sacred items placed with the body.

We coordinate with your chosen pandit and mandir to ensure the ceremony is conducted according to your family's tradition.

Cremation is the traditional choice for most Hindus. It is believed to release the soul from the body and assist its journey onwards.

• In India, the eldest son traditionally lights the funeral pyre. In a UK crematorium, this role is symbolically adapted — the family member will typically press the button or perform the equivalent ceremonial act.
• The cremation should ideally take place within 24 hours of death, though in practice UK regulations may mean this takes slightly longer.
• Prayers and mantras continue throughout the ceremony.

We work with local crematoriums experienced in Hindu ceremonies and can accommodate the specific needs of your family.

The period after the cremation is a time of mourning and prayer. Several important rites follow:

• Asthi Visarjan — the ashes are collected and immersed in a sacred body of water. Many families take the ashes to the River Ganges in India. Local rivers or the sea may also be used in the UK; we can advise on the options available.
• Shraddha ceremonies — prayers and offerings performed on specific days (the 3rd, 10th, and 13th days are traditional, though this varies by family and regional tradition).
• Thirteen-day mourning period — the family observes a period of mourning during which community members visit to offer condolences and share in prayers.
• Thirteenth day (Tervi) — a gathering of family and community with prayers and communal food, marking the close of the mourning period.

We can advise and support your family through all post-cremation arrangements, including Asthi Visarjan logistics.

Gills Funeral Care has extensive experience arranging Hindu funerals across a wide range of traditions and regional customs. We understand that no two families are the same, and we will always work with your pandit and family to ensure the service reflects your specific beliefs and wishes.

Our Hindu funeral services include:

• Traditional washing and preparation of the deceased
• Coordination with your mandir and pandit
• Antim Sanskar arrangements
• Pinda daan and ritual offerings
• Cremation at crematoriums experienced in Hindu customs
• Guidance on Asthi Visarjan and ash immersion
• Support through Shraddha ceremonies and the Tervi gathering

We are available around the clock. Please do not hesitate to call us at any time — we are here to support you and your family.