Hindu funeral practices

Hindu funeral practices honor the deceased with rituals aimed at guiding the soul's journey toward liberation. Typically, the body is cremated, symbolizing the release of earthly attachments. Family and friends perform prayers, chanting mantras and offering flowers, while placing the body on a funeral pyre. After cremation, ashes are often scattered in the Ganges or another sacred place. Rituals may vary by region and community but generally include ceremonies to purify the soul, honor ancestors, and support the grieving family. These practices emphasize the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, reflecting core Hindu spiritual beliefs.