Gifts and flowers
Hindus don’t typically bring gifts or flowers to the funeral – these are given to the family before.
Hindu funerals
A Hindu funeral is both a farewell and a step in the soul’s onward journey. Customs vary between families and communities, but most follow rites passed down through generations. This guide covers what to expect – before, during and after – and how your local Dignity funeral director can support you to arrange a Hindu funeral.
- 2 September 2026
About Hindu funerals
Hindu beliefs about death
Hindus believe that, while the body dies, the soul is eternal. After the death, the soul is reborn in another form as it continues its journey towards a goal of liberation – or moksha – and union with Brahman, the ultimate reality. This cycle can happen multiple times until the soul achieves moksha.
Hindu funeral ceremonies
While Hindu funerals traditionally took place besides sacred rivers, modern Hindus are cremated locally. Ceremonies continue to emphasise communal participation. The shared rituals are about supporting the soul’s journey, while also offering comfort and spiritual guidance to all those present.
Arranging a Hindu funeral
At Dignity, we support families of every culture and belief. From rituals and timings to family-led care, we have the expertise and experience to honour every detail. If you need to arrange a Hindu funeral, just contact your local funeral director who will talk everything through with you.
What to expect at a Hindu funeral
Funeral etiquette
Hindu funeral ceremonies are communal affairs that emphasise participation. Here’s what to expect:
Food
A Hindu funeral does not traditionally include food.
What to wear
Men and women traditionally wear white at a Hindu funeral. Women are expected to dress conservatively, with their arms and knees covered. But open-toe shoes are acceptable and head coverings aren’t necessary.
Paying respects
Guests are expected to view the body of the person who has died in an open coffin. It is not considered appropriate to touch them, unless you are a close family member.
Key terms
- Antyesti: The last rites. The full set of Hindu funeral rituals, beginning at the time of death and continuing through to the ceremonies that follow the cremation.
- Atman: The soul. In Hindu belief, the atman is eternal and moves between forms through the cycle of rebirth.
- Samsara: The cycle of birth, death and rebirth that the soul travels through.
- Moksha: Liberation from samsara. Moksha is the ultimate goal, when the soul is released from the cycle of rebirth and unites with Brahman.
- Brahman: The ultimate reality in Hindu belief. Not to be confused with Brahma, the creator deity.
- Mukhagni: The lighting of the cremation. Traditionally performed by the eldest son or closest male relative, guided by a Hindu priest.
- Asthi visarjan: The immersion or scattering of ashes, usually the day after the cremation. Ashes are typically scattered over a sacred body of water or a place that was meaningful to the person who has died.
- Shraddha: The ceremony held to honour the person who has died and support their soul’s journey. Often takes place between 10 and 13 days after the funeral.
- Pind daan: Food offerings, usually rice balls, made during the Shraddha ceremony to nourish the soul on its onward journey.
- Pandit: A Hindu priest who leads the prayers and rituals during the funeral and afterwards.
Hindu funeral costs
The cost of a Hindu funeral in the UK depends on the funeral director, the size of the service, and any extras you choose such as transport for family or repatriation of ashes.
Most Hindu families choose an attended funeral with time in a chapel of rest for prayer, family-led washing and dressing, and a cremation service led by a priest.
Your local funeral director will talk you through everything, so you can understand the options and costs.
Find a funeral director
Our funeral directors are at the heart of their communities, in over 500 locations across the UK. Wherever you live, you’ll have an experienced professional by your side throughout, caring for you and the person who’s died.
Other religious funerals
At Dignity, we’re here to support people of all religions and none. We can arrange Catholic, Anglican, Muslim, Buddhist, Orthodox, Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, and Quaker funerals. Call your local funeral director today to talk about your needs.
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