Sikh Funeral Rites
What Are Sikh Funeral Rites?
Sikh funeral commonly known as Antim Sanskar rites are a set of traditional religious ceremonies that occur during or around a Sikh funeral. According to Sikh religion, these include, but are not limited to:
Following Sikh rules surrounding the deceased or dying.
The preparation of the body, including bathing and a change of clothes.
The Sikh cremation service, such as prayers and chants.
Religious readings after a Sikh funeral
Sikhs prefer cremation, although burial is permitted if cremation is impossible. A Sikh cremation usually involves ashes being submerged into a river, with no monument erected for the person who has passed away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at a Sikh funeral service?
What happens at a Sikh funeral is ruled by the stipulations of the Sikh religion. A Sikh funeral service typically takes place at a Gurdwara either before or after the cremation, though it can be held at the family home or at the crematorium. Sikh funeral prayers are usually recited during the service, including a community prayer called Ardas.
What happens at a Sikh Cremation Ceremony?
Traditionally, cremation is preferred for Sikh funerals, though burial is also accepted if the circumstances do not allow for cremation. At a Sikh cremation ceremony, ashes of the deceased are usually buried or scattered in a river, but this depends on location and family circumstances.
What happens after a Sikh funeral?
After the funeral ceremony, the deceased loved ones will gather together to read the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. This ceremony is known as the Akhand Path. The Akhand Path usually takes place in a single sitting, which takes three days.
The reading can be done incrementally over a longer period of time if this is more convenient (usually no longer than ten days). If a Sikh cremation is delayed, the family may choose to begin Akhand Path before the ceremony.
Satnam Funerals works in partnership with Melbourne’s oldest independent family owned funeral company, to access some of Melbourne’s most experienced and capable staff and services.