Sikh Funeral & Cremation

By giving the deceased soul a dignified farewell after death, one can be able to show respect and appreciation for the soul. The final ceremonies help the departed soul obtain salvation and tranquility. The final rites or customs also assist the bereaved family in accepting the death of a loved one. There is a specific method for carrying out final rites in every religion.

This article will go into great detail regarding the traditions that a Sikh family follows when a loved one passes away and is cremated.

What are the beliefs of the Sikh community about Death?

The Sikh community views death as more than just a time of grief.  They commemorate the reunion between their God, "Waheguru," and the deceased soul.  As a result, funerals serve as a balance between celebration and sadness among the Sikh communities.  They also think that passing away will help in ending the reincarnation cycle. With the help of good deeds, honesty, and the favor of Waheguru, the departed soul will eventually be able to make itself free from this world and be reunited with the "Wondrous Giver of Knowledge," Waheguru, according to the sacred texts of Sikhism.

Which proceedings are the part of a Sikh Funeral rite?

The phrase "Antam Sanskaar" means "final rite" or "the last rite of passage" in the Sikh community.  It is said that the funeral rites combine the celebration of the soul's reunion with God with an emphasis on the pain or sadness of losing a loved one.

Family members may have the funeral service at the gurdwara, the deceased person's home, the cremation, or the outdoors. Sikh funerals typically include the communal prayer, "Ardas," in addition to the two daily prayers, "Japji" and "Kirtan Sohila."  It is a profoundly religious service, and the grieving family is discouraged from chanting lengthy or impassioned hymns.  The belief that the body is merely the soul's temporary abode is something they believe this practice will contradict.

What is preferred in Sikhism for disposing of the dead body - Burial or Cremation?

Those who belong to the Sikh community favor cremation over burial.  Many Shamshan Bhumi, or cremation grounds, invite members of the Sikh community to give their departed loved one a dignified cremation. Any Hindu crematorium or cremation field is suitable for the cremation ceremony of a Sikh community member; there is no such thing as a separate Sikh cremation ground or location.

What is the Stepwise procedure of executing a dignified cremation according to the Sikh and Punjabi community?

1. Preparation of the dead body before cremation:

The deceased body is washed/cleaned/bathed and then dressed in white clean clothes. The family members use specific colored clothes and ornaments depending on religious traditions.

2. Funeral Procession:

The body is carried to the crematorium or other appointed final resting location/venue in a procession that frequently consists of relatives, friends, known colleagues and neighbors etc. For a dignified funeral procession, the family of the departed person hire a well decorated final journey vehicle as well.

3. Prayers (Ardaas) and Chanting the sacred hymns -:

The family members of the departed person choose a peaceful location such as a quiet place in Gurudwara, home or an outdoor location to offer a sacred prayer which is known as Ardaas in Punjabi and Sikh Community. It is believed that Ardaas help the departed soul obtain peace, salvation and a place near Waheguru.

4. Igniting / Lighting the Pyre or Initiating Cremation ritual -:

In Sikh or Punjabi community, the eldest son or a close male relative is allowed to ignite or light the pyre. This is considered the traditional wooden cremation. In several cities, eco-friendly cremation such as Electric Cremation or CNG Cremation is frequently chosen by the people. This takes less time than the traditional wooden cremation.

5. Collection of Ashes or the last memories of the deceased person:

Once the cremation ritual is done, whether it is traditional or an advanced electric or CNG Cremation, the ashes can be collected in an earthen urn or vessel.

6. Disposition of Ashes at a sacred place:

The ashes after the cremation ritual are often scattered in a river, ocean, or other sacred holy water place, or kept in a beautiful urn for remembrance, according to the religious beliefs and traditions of the deceased's culture.

7.  Rituals performed after the cremation:

The cremation may be followed by certain rites, such as the Sikh prayer known as ardas or the Hindu ritual known as shraddha.

Depending on regional customs, religious traditions, and cultural practices, these procedures or steps or ceremonies may vary.  For example, depending on religious customs, Hindu funerals may include prayers and rituals like the shraddha ceremony, whereas Sikh funerals frequently feature prayers like Sukhmani Sahib or Japji Sahib, or Ardaas, etc.