16. Antyeṣṭi
The last rite — a loving farewell
Antyeṣṭi, “the last offering”, is the farewell to one who has died. The body is bathed, dressed and carried with the chanting of God's name, and is usually cremated, with the fire lit by a son or the nearest relative — today daughters and spouses also do so in many families. Infants and some renunciants are traditionally buried instead.
The ashes are later immersed in a river (asthi-visarjana). For about ten to thirteen days the family stays at home in mourning, supported by relatives; daily offerings are made, often with readings from the Gītā or the Garuḍa Purāṇa. Around the twelfth or thirteenth day the sapiṇḍīkaraṇa rite unites the departed with the ancestors, and a gathering (terahvīṁ) closes mourning. Monthly and then yearly śrāddha follow.
These rites exist to help the family grieve together and to honour the person with love. Customs vary widely, and a kind priest will adapt them to the family's situation.
10–13 days of mourning · Then yearly śrāddha