The death of a parent often comes with deep grieving. For those of the Hindu faith, it’s also a time to celebrate and reflect on the continued life of that parent.

Regardless of their branch of Hinduism, most Hindu families share core beliefs and customs related to shraddha. In Hinduism, a funeral, or antyeshti (meaning last sacrifice) comprises a few common practices, depending on a person’s age and gender. 

Hindu rituals after the death of a mother 

Hindu rituals after the death of a mother depend somewhat on whether she was married and, if so, whether her husband is alive. Most of the rituals are often performed by a Hindu priest or the mother's eldest son. Shraddha after the death of a mother may include: 

• Washing her in holy water, ghee, yogurt and honey. This usually occurs at the place of cremation. 
• Coating her head in essential oils mixed with turmeric. 
• Tying her big toes together and placing her hands in a prayer position. 
• Covering her in a sacred cloth, such as a white cloth or red saree. If the woman was married and her husband is alive, she may be dressed in her wedding attire. If she's widowed, a white cloth is preferable. 
• Placing vermillion on her forehead. 
• Giving her new ankle and toe rings, if she was married. 
• Adorning her with earrings, rings, bangles and floral garlands. 
• Placing a holy thread (mangalsutra) on her if she was married. 
• Sprinkling holy water over her body. 
• Lighting a diya lamp near her head to guide her soul. 
• Placing holy basil and rice balls near the casket. 

Hindu rituals after the death of a father 

Hindu rituals after the death of a father are similar to those for the death of a mother, with some important distinctions. Shraddha after a father’s passing may include: 

• Washing his body with holy water, ghee, yogurt and honey. 
• Placing sandalwood on his forehead. 
• Tying his big toes together and placing his hands in a prayer position. 
• Dressing him in ceremonial attire, which may be either traditional or contemporary. 
• Wrapping his body in a white sheet. 
• Placing a floral garland around his neck. 
• Sprinkling holy water over his body. 
• Lighting a diya near his head. 
• Placing holy basil and rice balls near the casket. 

Hindu funeral and burial practices 

The Hindu faith calls for cremation shortly after death, often within 24 hours. This helps mourners remember that their loved one's body is not whom they are or were, but rather their soul is their essence and that it lives on.

A Hindu funeral usually precedes cremation, and it often includes an open casket; a Hindu priest; mantras, sutras, hymns, Vedic prayers and readings from the Bhagavad-Gita. After the service, cremation occurs.

In India, cremations involve a funeral pyre lit by a family member—usually the eldest son. In the United States, a family member may initiate the cremation process at the crematory.

After the cremation, family members go home to bathe and change clothing before joining loved ones for a meal. There is usually a 13- to 30-day mourning period to honor the person who has passed.

Ashes may then be scattered in a body of water—often the Ganges River in India. 

Plan a Hindu funeral 

Dignity Memorial^® professionals are experienced in working with families of many faiths and religious traditions. We can provide guidance on Hindu funeral customs and help connect you with a Hindu priest. Whatever your family's needs, we're here for you.

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