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Hindu funerals are largely dictated by traditional customs and religious rites, with a belief in reincarnation. Yet, these rituals also vary between sects and subsects.

According to Hindu funeral customs, the body remains at home until it is cremated, which is usually within 24 hours after death. However, in Singapore, many modern and younger Hindus would rather have the bodies rest either at funeral parlours or at the void decks of their flats. The ashes are then scattered at a sacred body of water or at some other place of importance to the deceased.

At the funeral service, a priest or “ karta ” usually presides over the proceedings, reciting hymns and mantras. Offerings are also made to ancestors and gods. Flowers may be offered, but bringing food is not part of the Hindu custom. There is always an open casket and guests are expected to view the body.

Ten days later, a ceremony is held at the home of the deceased in order to liberate the soul for its ascent into heaven.

Prayers will be advised accordingly.


Funeral practices in Hinduism

• Hindu funeral rituals, called antyesti , begin at the home and involve family and friends.
• The body is washed, anointed and dressed, and people gather and pray.
• Cremation is traditional, and generally takes place within 24 hours of a person’s passing.

• In Hindu cremation rituals, any families scatter ashes in a sacred body of water within a day or two to signify the final separation of the soul from the body.

What does a Hindu funeral entail?

The first part of a Hindu funeral takes place at home. Typically, members of the family will wash their loved one’s body with a combination of yogurt, milk, ghee, and honey, apply essential oils to their head, and dress them in a white sheet; a red sheet is used for the funeral of a married woman whose husband is still alive. Those who are preparing the body also place their loved one’s hands in a palms-together prayer position and tie their big toes together. 

Garlands of flowers are placed on the body and rice balls left near the open casket, if there is one, as an offering to the ancestors. An oil lamp symbolizing the soul is lit and placed near the person’s head, and may remain lit for 12 days.