What is the Hindu tradition for funerals?
According to Hindu funeral customs, the body remains at the home until it is cremated, which is usually within 24 hours after death. The ashes are typically scattered at a sacred body of water or at some other place of importance to the deceased. At the service, referred to as a wake, mourners may dress casually.
How do Hindus cremate in USA?
How are Hindus buried? Traditionally, the cremation ceremony involves a ritual burning of the body, attended to by a Hindu priest and male family members. Sometimes guests attend the ceremony, too. The ‘last food’ is offered and the cremation takes place with flowers arranged around the body.
What do you wear to a Hindu funeral in America?
Dress Code for a Hindu Funeral During a Hindu funeral, however, the dress code for both men and women is more casual. Covering their heads is custom of both men and women. But women often dress conservatively covering their arms and knees. For women, wearing jewelry is acceptable.
Where do most Hindu funerals take place in the United States?
Hindu funeral services may be held in a funeral home chapel or sometimes at the crematory. These Hindu funeral ceremonies are typically conducted by a Hindu priest, and songs, chants and scripture readings may be part of the service.
What do you give an Indian family when someone dies?
Hindu – A gift of fruit for the family is the appropriate gift. Shinto – The tradition is to give used money to the family in an envelope decorated in black and silver. Gifts of food and red flowers are not acceptable; white flowers are considered the appropriate mourning flower.
Are flowers appropriate for an Indian funeral?
Flowers may be sent, but doing so is not part of the Hindu tradition. Instead, the family typically arranges for floral garlands and sprays of flowers to be placed in the casket. During the service, mourners are expected to view the body but normally should not speak to the grieving family.
How do Hindus dispose of the bodies of their dead?
After death, Hindus believe that the physical body serves no purpose, and therefore does not need to be preserved. They choose to cremate their loved ones as they believe it’s the quickest way to release the soul and help with reincarnation.
How soon after death is a Hindu funeral?
A funeral or visitation, which occurs in the family home immediately after a person passes away. The cremation ceremony usually happens within the first 24 – 48 hours. A shraddha ceremony, to pay homage to the person’s ancestors, often taking place about 10 days after death.
How many days does a Hindu funeral last?
It is often a custom and part of the Hindu death ritual for the family to share a meal together and offer prayers for the departed, themselves and their house. There is an intense period of mourning immediately following the cremation or burial service which lasts thirteen days.
What you say when a Hindu dies?
In the Hindu religion, when someone dies, instead of Rest In Peace, it is customary to say “Om Shanti” or “Aatma ko Sadgati prapt ho” (May your soul attain Moksha).
What do you send to a grieving Hindu family?
One of the most customary and traditional ways to express condolences is by bringing or sending condolence gift baskets, food or fruit to the family members of the deceased.
What color is a Hindu funeral?
white
When choosing your attire for the funeral, you should avoid the color black. According to Hindu traditions, the customary color to wear at a Hindu funeral is white. Dress for men can be casual, but women’s attire should cover the arms and knees.
What flowers are appropriate for an Indian funeral?
Choosing flowers to offer condolence: White flowers are the general standard at funerals as they signify purity and express hope along with sadness. So White Lilies, Roses, Daisies and even Chrysanthemums are an appropriate token of condolence and solidarity.
What happens after a Hindu funeral?
Traditionally, on the day following a Hindu funeral, the ashes are scattered in the River Ganges considered sacred by the Hindus. Hindus living outside India may choose to repatriate their loved one’s ashes so that they can be spread over the Ganges, but this is not always practical or affordable.
What to say if a Hindu dies?
What do you send to an Indian family after death?
What do Indian families do when someone dies?
How much do you give at an Indian funeral?
Monetary Contribution There is no set amount, as it should be a gift – so give whatever you think is enough, and gift from the heart. An amount of $10 is perfectly acceptable, and is usually dependent on your relationship with the family.
What are Hindu burial customs?
Hindu Burial Customs. Like all major religions, Hinduism has specific rituals for burying the dead. These include protocols for care of the body immediately after death and specific tasks assigned to certain family members. Typically, a Hindu funeral and cremation takes place within 24 hours of death when possible, and the family also follows
What are the rituals and ceremonies for Hindus?
Garbhadhana: First Samskara is done immediately after the marriage.
What to wear to a Hindu funeral?
Hindu Funeral Attire. Although white is the standard color to dress the deceased during hindu funeral rites,exceptions to the corpse’s attire exist.
What are the funeral customs in Hinduism?
Funeral Attire. Family,friends of the bereaved,and guests of the funeral will typically wear simple and casual white clothes.