Can a daughter or wife perform the last rites and śrāddha?

yes — the texts themselves name the wife and daughter among those who may perform them, and many families do so today.

Customarily the son, especially the eldest, performs the rites. But the Dharmaśāstra and Purāṇic texts do not leave the dead without rites when there is no son; they give an order of who may perform them, and the wife, the daughter and the daughter's son appear in these lists. The Garuḍa Purāṇa also accepts rites done by a wife or daughter.

In practice, communities differ. In some, women traditionally did not go to the cremation ground; in many families today daughters light the pyre and perform the śrāddha with full acceptance, and many priests support this. What the tradition cares about most is that the rites are done with devotion and that the departed are not forgotten.

If there is a disagreement in the family, speak with a respected priest of your community, and remember that the intention of love matters most. If your situation is specific, Ask Chiluka.

Source: Garuḍa Purāṇa; Dharmaśāstra lists of performers · Practice varies by community

Dharma Q&A — family & life events · Ask a Jyotishi your own question