In Hinduism, funerals traditionally take place within 24 hours of death and are closely tied with the idea of rebirth (reincarnation), rather than finality.

The Funeral
The deceased is bathed immediately after passing away and clothed before being placed on a sturdy stretcher, which is used to transport the body to the burial site.

Family members place a number of flowers on the body to cover it almost in its entirety, and the stretcher is also decorated. Flowers may be received from both family and visitors. These flowers are usually paler in colour or red and may include roses, jasmine, and marigolds. However, the selection and colour may vary depending on the sect.

In Canada, the deceased is generally taken to a funeral home, where the body is washed and clothed. A service is held in their honour led by a Hindu priest. The service may involve a brief visitation as well as the reciting of prayers and chants, after which the guests depart so that the body may be taken to the cremation site. The entire ceremony is performed following rites that ensure the deceased may be properly reborn.

While a casket replaces the stretcher here, the placement of sympathy flowers for a Hindu funeral may also be placed on and around the body. If a visitor brings flowers, they are usually placed at the feet of the deceased. For flowers placed on the body, garlands are typical. Tribute arrangements are also frequently presented. In this case, it is almost always in the shape of the sacred symbol, Aum (also spelled Om).

A mourning period follows the day of the funeral service, during which the bereaved often follows a cleansing vegetarian diet. Family and friends may visit to offer their condolences. It is customary that fruit is presented to the bereaved. This may be in an elaborate fruit basket arrangement.