Organising a Hindu Funeral in London
The Exit Here team has carried out many Hindu funerals all over London and the UK, and we always feel privileged when asked to do so. Whether your family requires a ceremony that includes all Hindu funeral traditions, or a multi-faith and modern interpretation, we can help you create a beautiful and respectful day.
Some families may think they need to choose Hindu funeral directors to organise the funeral. But rest assured, at Exit Here we have years of experience looking after Hindu clients and work closely with families to ensure every detail is taken care of.
We understand that ‘Hindu funeral’ is a broad term and all families are different. However here are some common requirements and Hindu funeral rituals we can assist with, based on our experience:
We can organise a Hindu priest for funeral services across London and the rest of the UK, who can carry out the mantras and other rituals.
We can provide a space for you to wash and dress the person who has died, and everything necessary for the wash, including towels, oils, gangajal, ghee, honey, milk, yogurt etc. We will also provide gentle instruction and support for you to dress your loved one in traditional Hindu funeral clothing, and can help as much or as little as you wish.
If you do not wish to do this, the Exit Here team is experienced in carrying out the washing and dressing. You can be present in the room, or wait next door while this is taking place. If you want someone of the same gender to wash and dress your family member, this can be easily arranged.
We can offer a short time frame for a Hindu funeral if needed and can work quickly and flexibly to ensure the funeral takes place in the time required. Of course, the legal paperwork ultimately affects how quickly the funeral can take place, but we will do all we can to expediate this using our experience and contacts.
We can bring the casket home on the day of the funeral for the puja. If your home cannot accommodate this, you are welcome to hold the puja at our premises, or we can help you find the right sized venue in your local area that allows an open casket.
A member of our team will always arrange a prior visit if the coffin is being brought home for the puja. This ensures a smooth and dignified entrance of your loved one into the home on the day of the funeral.
We have experience with many crematoria that allows witness charging (watching the coffin enter the cremator) and can help you choose the right one, based on how many family members want to take part in this. We can also advise you on where people will go on the day. For example, at Mortlake Crematorium the family will stay behind in the chapel while friends and family are led out, and you will watch the witness charging through a clear glass panel. If you want to be directly next to the coffin as this happens, we can recommend somewhere else.
If you have family overseas, we can arrange livestreaming and recording at both the crematorium and the puja, with a camera team who are comfortable around an open casket.
We can provide a traditional marigold garland or a custom one in colours that are significant to you, or any other Hindu funeral flowers needed.
An ‘om’ symbol will be on the coffin or casket free of charge if you wish.
We work with some very kind and helpful Pandits who can advise you on all aspects of the puja.
We have a lot of experience helping families in multi-faith households and communities. Whether it’s having someone conduct the service in multiple languages or holding a celebration of life during the reception so friends can give their tributes, we can incorporate all aspects of a person’s life to create a truly unique funeral.
We do not wear black, and usually wear smart navy blue suits. But if you prefer us to wear white or another light colour, we would be happy to do so.
We will look after the ashes at Exit Here for as long as you need after the ceremony.
If you need help with taking ashes abroad, we can help you with the correct paperwork, flight company regulations, and correct urn for this purpose.
If you choose to hold the ashes ceremony in the UK, we can advise on boat hire from companies who are familiar with water ceremonies. We can also give advice if you prefer to do this from the shoreline or riverbank.
We can provide a selection of urns suitable for taking abroad, or for immersion in water in the UK.
If you would like to talk to Exit Here about arranging a Hindu funeral get in touch.
If you’re attending a Hindu funeral in London or anywhere in the UK for the first time and aren’t sure of expectations, here are some commonly asked questions:
What happens in a Hindu funeral?
If you’ve been asked to attend a Hindu funeral, you may be given two addresses: the family home and the crematorium. Typically, the puja (service) is held at home, which includes prayers with an open coffin, lasting 40 minutes to an hour. Then all guests will proceed to the crematorium for further prayers and often the family and friends will give personal tributes. There are usually refreshments provided after the service, either back at the home address or at another venue. At the puja, Hindu funeral mantras are chanted, and you may see the body of the person who has died being covered with flowers. Incense is burned, a lamp is often placed at the head, and there is usually a photo of the person who has died, with a garland of flowers around it, which is also taken to the crematorium.
What to wear at a Hindu funeral?
Although it is traditional to wear white, many families choose not to, and as a non-Hindu it’s unlikely you will be judged for wearing a dark colour. Nowadays, there isn’t as much of a Hindu funeral dress code, but it’s always best to ask someone you know who is attending in case the family have requested all white or no black. No head covering is required, but you are expected to dress respectfully regardless of your faith.
Can I wear black to a Hindu funeral?
It’s better to wear a smart, modest outfit in a pale colour, or even a navy blue or other dark colour. However it’s always best to check, either with a Hindu friend or family member who is attending, or with the funeral director.
Hindu funeral flowers – what should I bring?
If you want to bring flowers, please remember that these cannot be brought into the house (leave them outside), and must be left at the crematorium after the funeral service. Bringing flowers is not expected, but I’m sure your gesture will be appreciated. Because traditions vary so much, and many families have a mixture of traditional and modern Hindu funerals now, check with the funeral director or the family as to what they prefer. They may have arranged for donations to be made to a charity instead.
What are the Hindu funeral prayers or mantras?
If you are not Hindu you won’t be expected to join in with the prayers or mantras. Simply place your hands together in front of your chest or face and send your own blessings and good intentions to the person who has died when the prayers and mantras are being chanted.
Is there a Hindu priest for the funeral?
The priest or pandit will help the family during the puja and at the crematorium and lead the prayers and mantras. They are not part of a religious building or organisation like in some other faiths, but are community figures who’s knowledge gets passed down from fathers to sons.
If you have any questions about Hindu funerals, please get in touch.