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Repatriating A Body To India

Blam Online • Oct 30, 2023

The death of a loved one is often a time of great ritual and cultural importance; a chance to pay tribute and respect by honouring their chosen customs and beliefs. Throughout the world, there are a great number of different customs and rituals surrounding funerals and death and one place where death customs are of particular importance is in India. 

India has always been home to strong rituals and culture surrounding death.it is common for Indians living abroad to repatriate the bodies of their deceased loved ones back to India. Repatriation is often seen as a way to fulfil cultural and religious customs and provide a final resting place in the homeland. This practice allows the deceased to be buried or cremated according to their cultural and religious traditions, and it also provides an opportunity for family and friends to participate in the funeral rites and rituals.

Repatriation is a common issue for Indians living abroad and repatriation impacts thousands every year . Understanding and respecting these customs is essential to ensure a dignified and culturally appropriate repatriation. In this detailed guide, we will explore the cultural customs involved in repatriating a body to India, providing valuable insights and guidance.

 

Rituals and Ceremonies

Indian culture places great importance on rituals and ceremonies surrounding death. It is customary to conduct specific religious rites and ceremonies to honour the deceased and provide solace to the grieving family. Some common practices include:

  1. a) Antim Sanskar (Last Rites): This refers to the final rites performed before the body is cremated or buried. The rituals may vary based on regional and religious customs, such as the recitation of prayers, lighting of funeral pyres, or burial ceremonies.
  2. b) Shraddha Ceremony: A post-funeral ritual called the Shraddha ceremony is performed to pay homage to the departed soul. This ceremony typically takes place on specific anniversaries of the death and involves offering food and prayers to honour the deceased.

 

Religious Considerations

India is a diverse country with various religions and belief systems. Understanding the religious customs and preferences of the deceased and their family is crucial to ensure a culturally sensitive repatriation. Some religious considerations may include:

  1. a) Hindu Customs: Hindus predominantly practice cremation. If the deceased was Hindu, it is customary to cremate the body and scatter the ashes in a sacred river, such as the Ganges. The family may also prefer to conduct specific rituals and prayers according to their traditions.
  2. b) Muslim Customs: Muslims typically follow burial customs and prefer to bury the deceased as soon as possible. The body is usually prepared for burial following Islamic rites, such as washing, shrouding, and offering funeral prayers.

 

Communication and Coordination

During the repatriation process, effective communication and coordination with local authorities, the Indian Consulate or Embassy, and the family are essential. Engage in open dialogue to understand the family’s specific cultural and religious requirements, and ensure that all necessary arrangements are made accordingly. To learn more about the repatriation process and what documentation is necessary, please refer to our previous blog post on body repatriation.

 

Funeral Service Etiquette

Attending a funeral or memorial service is a gesture of support and respect. Familiarise yourself with the funeral service etiquette of the specific culture or religion involved, such as appropriate attire, respectful behaviour, and offering condolences to the bereaved family.

 

Conclusion

Repatriating a body to India while honouring cultural customs is a profound way to pay tribute to a loved one. By understanding and respecting the rituals, religious considerations, and funeral service etiquette, you can ensure a dignified and culturally appropriate repatriation process. Adhering to these customs will provide solace to the grieving family and help create a meaningful farewell for the departed soul.

What is body repatriation?

14 Dec, 2023
The loss of a loved one is never easy and the stress of arranging a fitting funeral can be incredibly difficult to deal with. This process can be made even more challenging when the loved one dies overseas. The death of a loved one overseas will often mean that the body will need to be brought home and this will require a process known as body repatriation. The following information is provided to explain the process clearly with information around how long it can take, why some people choose to arrange body repatriation and how much the service can typically cost. If you require any further information or assistance please get in contact with us and we will do our best to support you and clarify anything about the process. What is body repatriation? Repatriation is the return of individuals to their country of origin. This may be voluntary or involuntary, and it may occur for a variety of reasons. For instance, people may be repatriated because they have been forced to leave their country of origin due to conflict or persecution. They may also be repatriated as part of an amnesty program, or because they have been granted asylum in another country. Repatriation can be a difficult and traumatic experience, particularly if it is involuntary. Individuals may face a range of challenges upon their return, including reintegrating into their community, dealing with family members who may have stayed behind, and rebuilding their lives. Repatriation may also be done for religious or cultural reasons, or because the deceased person’s family wishes to bury them in their home country. Whatever the reason, body repatriation is deeply personal and can often be a complex and costly process, and in some regrettable circumstances, it may not always be possible to repatriate the body of a loved one who has died overseas. How long can body repatriation take? The process of body repatriation, or the return of a person’s remains to their home country, can take a significant amount of time. Depending on the circumstances, it can take weeks or even months for the body to be returned. In most circumstances, the body can be returned to the preferred location in around 10-15 days but this depends on a large number of factors. The first is the location of the death. If the death occurs in a remote area, it can take time to get the body to a city where it can be prepared for transport. The second is the country of origin. If the deceased is from a country that is far away, it can take longer to get the necessary paperwork and travel arrangements in order. Lastly, the wishes of the deceased’s family can also impact the timeline. If the family wants a traditional burial or cremation, this can add to the length of time it takes to repatriate the body . Overall, body repatriation can be a lengthy and complicated process. The length of time it takes can be a burden on the family and friends of the deceased, as they often have to wait a long time for closure. It is important to be aware of the potential timeframe if you are dealing with the death of a loved one who is overseas. The people organising the repatriation should be able to give you an idea of a timeline so it is always best to keep an open dialogue with them and it’s always best to ask the question. How much does body repatriation cost? Cost for body repatriation is widely variable depending on where the loved one needs to be repatriated from and to but the average cost is around £2,000-5,000 and what is included can differ depending on the level of service. Our fees are usually around £2,000-3,000 and this usually includes collection of the person who has passed away, mortuary care including full embalming with certification, appropriate sealing of the coffin in line with international regulations, a simple oak effect coffin suitable for international repatriation, transportation of the coffin to the departure airport, flight fee and arrangement of all required documentation and administrative responsibilities. The death of a loved one is always a painful time and we are here to help. If you require any further information or assistance please get in contact with us and we will do our best to support you and clarify anything about the process.

What NOT to do when someone dies abroad

By Blam Online • 29 Sep, 2023
The death of a loved one is a difficult and stressful time. This is made even more unnerving if your loved one died abroad. There are many things you should do in order to handle the necessary arrangements but there are also a myriad of things to avoid doing. When someone dies abroad, it’s important […] The post What NOT to do when someone dies abroad appeared first on Global Funeral Repatriation.

What to do when someone dies abroad

By Tom Hathaway • 10 May, 2023
The death of a loved one is a difficult time for anyone, but when that death occurs in a foreign country, it can be even more complicated. There are a few things that you will need to do in order to make arrangements for the repatriation of the deceased. If you’re abroad together If you’re […] The post What to do when someone dies abroad appeared first on Global Funeral Repatriation.

Honoring Cultural and Religious Customs During Repatriation

By Tom Hathaway • 10 May, 2023
The death of a loved one is a difficult time for any family, and when that loved one dies while away from home, it can add even more stress to an already emotional situation. Repatriation, or the process of returning a person’s body to their home country for burial or cremation, is a common practice […] The post Honoring Cultural and Religious Customs During Repatriation appeared first on Global Funeral Repatriation.
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The Emotional Impact of Body Repatriation

By Tom Hathaway • 24 Mar, 2023
No matter how a death occurs, the aftermath is always a painful and traumatic experience for loved ones and friends.

What is body repatriation?

By Tom Hathaway • 25 Jan, 2023
The loss of a loved one is never easy and the stress of arranging a fitting funeral can be incredibly difficult to deal with. This process can be made even more challenging when the loved one dies overseas. The death of a loved one overseas will often mean that the body will need to be […] The post What is body repatriation? appeared first on Global Funeral Repatriation.
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