How are cremation and immersion of ashes done when a family member dies abroad?

cremation is done at a local crematorium with a priest’s rites, and the ashes are immersed in a permitted local water body or carried to India.

Most countries require cremation in a licensed crematorium. Funeral homes in cities with Hindu communities are used to Hindu families: they usually allow a priest to perform the antyeṣṭi rites in the chapel, and often let the son, daughter or chief mourner press the button that starts the cremation, in place of lighting the pyre.

The ashes (asthi) are returned in an urn. Families either carry them to India for immersion at a tīrtha such as Haridvāra, Prayāga or Kāśī, or immerse them locally. Several countries have designated rivers or sea points, sometimes arranged by Hindu temples, but rules vary, so check local regulations before immersing.

The thirteen-day rites, piṇḍa-dāna and śrāddha can be done at home or at a community temple with a priest. Your community temple is usually the best first call.

Source: common practice in diaspora funeral homes and temples · Check local rules before immersing ashes

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