Mourning and Bereavement
In the days following a death during the time of impurity, families do not participate in regular activities and visitors do not come to the house, which gives them time to grieve and mourn. Members of the immediate family wear all white and dress in simple attire without adornments. A ceremony will typically take place, known as Sreda, where food will be brought for the Brahmins and other rites performed by priests will occur. Also during this period of about 10 to 16 days, mourners are not to cut their hair or beards, they should abstain from sexual relations, and sleep on the ground. Religious practices such as reading Hindu texts, meditation, and making offerings are also expected during this time. On the twelfth day of mourning, the soul of the deceased is supposedly recreated and men can once again shave their heads and beards. As for the emotions of the family, grieving is appropriate and support can be found through family and friends who have experienced similar situations. Hindus may resume regular activities after this mourning period, but may continue to remember their loved one as time goes on.
If you are someone who may deal firsthand with the mourning and bereavement process of a Hindu, here are some things to keep in mind:
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Every Hindu family is not the same. Each one may have differences and may partake in some practices and not in others, depending on their specific rituals.
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Hindus are extremely family-oriented and they have very specific ways of dealing with death, so respect their decisions and make it as comfortable for them as possible.
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Because they are very specific in how they want death to be handled, make sure to ask and double check with what they want before proceeding with care.
