Death and funerals in hinduism
The dead body is given a bath and dressed in new clothes. Different ointments and pastes are rubbed on, often then flower petals are thrown on, and in some cases gold flakes are sprinkled on the head. Then the body is placed in the funeral pyre, usually facing north, and some chants are said and some rituals performed.
Hindu bodies are always cremated unless that person is a saint, in which case they are buried in the ground or in the water. They are most often put in the crematorium, but in smaller, less developed towns, a relative will build up kindling around the body, and light the wood when the kindling has covered the deceased's face.
It takes about a day for the entire body and all the wood to burn, and the ashes are then thrown into a holy river or sea.
Hindu bodies are always cremated unless that person is a saint, in which case they are buried in the ground or in the water. They are most often put in the crematorium, but in smaller, less developed towns, a relative will build up kindling around the body, and light the wood when the kindling has covered the deceased's face.
It takes about a day for the entire body and all the wood to burn, and the ashes are then thrown into a holy river or sea.