The death of a loved one is not an easy or emotionally difficult task to handle. After death, Hindu families follow certain traditions and cultural customs during the grieving process. Funeral services following proper rituals are essential to honor the deceased and comfort the bereaved family. When visiting a grieving family or attending a funeral service in Kolkata Cremation Service, you should be aware of your actions and behavior as a visitor, friend, or relative. Here are some of the most important dos and don’ts that visitors should follow in a Hindu home after a death. When expressing condolences, certain things are considered appropriate.
Hindu Beliefs about Death:
Hinduism is centered on reincarnation, which is the belief that when a person dies, their soul is reincarnated in another form. They believe that even though the body dies, the soul lives on and continues to circulate until they return to their true nature, which can take many lifetimes. Each time they die, they try to approach Brahma, the Hindu god. They also believe that their soul will be reincarnated in the next life based on their actions throughout their life, also known as karma.
Why Do Hindus Cremate?
Hindus believe that the body serves no purpose and, therefore, does not need to be preserved. They choose to cremate their loved ones because they think it is the fastest way to release the soul and facilitate reincarnation. Historically, Hindu cremations took place in the Ganges River in India, and the family would take the coffin to the crematorium. Today, Hindus are cremated locally, and most funeral rites can follow the customs and rituals of Hindu cremation.
What Is A Hindu Funeral?
A Hindu funeral typically involves a chant or mantra overseen by an officiant, usually a Hindu priest or the bereaved’s eldest son. They gather family and friends and take them through various Hindu death rituals, including:
- Wash the body with ghee, honey, milk, and yogurt
- Sprinkling essential oils on the heads of the deceased
- Placing the palms in a prayer position and tying the thumbs together
- Dress the body neatly or wrap it in a white cloth
- Placing flower garlands and rice balls around the loved one
- Placing a lamp near the head or sprinkling water on the body
What Happens At A Hindu Funeral?
- The coffin is brought into the crematorium feet first while mourners chanted.
- The open coffin displays the body of the deceased, and guests are expected to view the body. They should do so respectfully and not touch the deceased.
- Hindu priests and senior family members perform the cremation ceremony.
- Traditionally, only men participate in Mukhakni, but modern Hindu funerals allow women to participate.
- The day after a Hindu funeral services in pune, the ashes are scattered on sacred water sources or other important sites for the deceased.
Don’ts:
- At a Hindu funeral, mourners do not wear black. They should wear white or neutral colors.
- Avoid giggling or being cheerful while mourning.
- Money alone can seem impersonal. Say something to comfort them.
- Aim to attend important prayers and rituals after death. Otherwise, try to avoid attending these rituals. Bring food that contains meat, as Hindus tend to abstain after death.