Hindu funeral directors in the UK
A Hindu funeral (antyesti, the last rite) is usually a cremation held as soon as possible. The body is washed and dressed by family, prayers and offerings are made, and the chief mourner — traditionally the eldest son — leads the rites. Many UK crematoria let the family witness the committal. Ashes are scattered in flowing water, and mourning rites continue for around 13 days. FuneralFinder lists 0 specialist funeral directors and 161 mandirs across the UK, with local Hindu funeral guides for 95 towns and cities.
Hindu funeral services by town
- London
- Birmingham
- Leeds
- Glasgow
- Manchester
- Bristol
- Liverpool
- Cardiff
- Coventry
- Leicester
- Nottingham
- Bradford
- Greenwich
- Wolverhampton
- Derby
- Northampton
- Solihull
- Luton
- Dudley
- Croydon
- Ilford
- Slough
- Bolton
- Stockport
- Watford
- Wembley
- Crawley
- Chipping Barnet
- Oldham
- High Wycombe
- Bath
- Bedford
- Southall
- Walsall
- Hounslow
- Loughborough
- Wimbledon
- Uxbridge
- Bootle
- Hampstead
- Ashton-under-Lyne
- Wellingborough
- Middleton
- Kirkby
- Kingston upon Thames
- Sutton
- Aldridge
- Chiswick
- Pudsey
- Warwick
- Loughton
- Rushden
- Penarth
- Cambuslang
- Newton Mearns
- Maghull
- Houghton Regis
- Tyldesley
- Bexleyheath
- Orpington
- Newport Pagnell
- Kearsley
- Mossley
- Gerrards Cross
- Neilston
- Finedon
- Bedworth
- Beeston
- Bulwell
- Dartford
- Edgware
- Eltham
- Halesowen
- Horley
- Horsforth
- Horwich
- Keynsham
- Kings Langley
- Kingswood
- Netherfield
- New Ferry
- Nuneaton
- Ruislip
- Sale
- Sandiacre
- Shepshed
- Swanley
- Sydenham
- Syston
- Walthamstow
- West Bromwich
- Westhoughton
- Wigston
- Wood Green
- Wythenshawe
Where the most mandirs are
Hindu funerals: key facts
| Burial or cremation | Cremation for most adults; babies, young children and some holy people may be buried |
|---|---|
| How soon | As soon as possible after death |
| Preparation | Washed and dressed by family; tulsi leaves and Ganga jal (water from the Ganges) may be placed in the mouth |
| At the crematorium | Many UK crematoria allow the chief mourner to witness the charging of the coffin |
| Ashes | Scattered in flowing water — in India, or at designated UK river sites |
| Mourning | Usually around 13 days, with a shraddha ceremony and later anniversaries |
Frequently asked questions
Are Hindus buried or cremated?
Most Hindus are cremated. Babies, young children and some holy people (sannyasis) may be buried instead.
Can the family watch the cremation in the UK?
Yes, many UK crematoria allow the chief mourner and a small number of family members to witness the coffin being placed in the cremator. Ask the crematorium or your funeral director in advance.
What do Hindus do with the ashes in the UK?
Ashes are usually scattered in flowing water. Some families take them to India, while others use designated sites on UK rivers.
What colour should you wear to a Hindu funeral?
White or light-coloured, modest clothing is traditional. Black is generally avoided.