Cremation is the rule for Hindu funerals, but the body stays in the home of the family until it is taken to the place of cremation. A Hindu funeral ceremony includes three parts : a) The funeral which takes places in the home of the family, b) The cremation ceremony and c) the “Shraddha” ceremony. The official funeral ceremony takes place at home, although the event could be deemed a wake in terms of Western customs due to its brief duration. The cremation ceremony is held at the cremation place after the ceremony at home and it is also a short ceremony. A third Hindu funeral ceremony (“Shraddha”) may also be held about 10 (ten) days after death.
