How Long Does a Hindu Funeral Last? A Complete Timeline for Families

February 19, 2026

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Planning a traditional Hindu or Sikh funeral in the UK can feel overwhelming. We specialize in ensuring every ritual—from the Antyeshti Sanskar to the Kirtan—is carried out with the utmost dignity and cultural accuracy our 24/7 contact number is 01922 438503

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One of the most common questions from those attending or arranging a Hindu funeral for the first time is: how long does a Hindu funeral last? The answer depends on the type of ceremony, the regional traditions of the family, and the specific elements included — but this guide gives a clear, practical overview of what to expect at every stage.

At Indian Funeral Company, our specialist Hindu funeral directors in Birmingham support families through every stage of the Antyeshti — and we are here to answer your questions at any hour.

Hindu havan kund ceremony with sacred flames and flower offerings representing the sacred timeline and rituals of a Hindu funeral — The Hindu Antyeshti ceremony involves multiple stages spread over days — each one carrying sacred spiritual significance

How Long Is the Hindu Cremation Service?

The cremation service at the crematorium typically lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour. This includes the arrival of the family, the committal ceremony led by the Pandit, prayers and mantras, and the formal committal of the body.

The full funeral day — including prayers at the family home before travelling to the crematorium — may last 3–6 hours in total, depending on the family's traditions and the scale of the gathering.

The Full Timeline of a Hindu Funeral

The Day of Death: Immediate Preparations

Preparations begin as soon as the family contacts their Asian funeral directors. The body is bathed and prepared, prayers are recited, and arrangements begin. Hindu tradition calls for cremation as soon as possible — though UK legal requirements typically mean this takes 2–5 days.

Days Before the Funeral: Prayer Gatherings

Family and community members gather at the family home to pray and pay respects. Daily prayers, scripture readings, and devotional hymns may be held during this period. These gatherings can last 1–3 hours per day.

The Funeral Day

Morning prayers at the family home — typically 1–2 hours
Journey to the crematorium
Cremation service — 45 minutes to 1 hour
Return home and further prayers — 1–2 hours

Hindu home shrine with diya lamp and tulsi plant representing the prayer gatherings held during the Hindu funeral mourning period — Daily prayers at the family home are a central part of the Hindu mourning period — typically held each evening for 13 days

Days 1–13: The Mourning Period

Following the cremation, the Hindu mourning period typically lasts 13 days. Daily prayers may be held at the family home. The asthi visarjan (immersion of ashes in sacred water) typically takes place during this period.

Day 13: The Tehravi or Uthamna Ceremony

The concluding ceremony — known as Tehravi, Uthamna, or Pag Pherna depending on regional tradition — marks the formal end of the mourning period. A prayer gathering and community meal are held. This event typically lasts 2–4 hours.

Does Duration Vary Between Hindu Communities?

Gujarati Hindu funerals — may include specific regional prayers. See our guide to Gujarati funeral traditions for more detail
Punjabi Hindu funerals — follow a similar overall timeline
South Indian Hindu funerals — may incorporate different mantras and ceremonial elements that affect duration

Our Hindu funeral directors are experienced across all major Hindu communities in Birmingham and will advise on what to expect for your specific family traditions.

How Long Does a Sikh Funeral Last?

A Sikh Antam Sanskar cremation service is similarly around 45 minutes to 1 hour, but the full ceremony spans several days due to the Akhand Paath and Bhog. For full details see our guide to Sikh funeral directors in Birmingham.

Peaceful memorial garden at dusk with marigold flowers and oil lamps representing the conclusion of the Hindu funeral mourning period — A peaceful memorial garden at dusk — the Hindu mourning period concludes with the Tehravi ceremony, bringing the community together in prayer and remembrance

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the cremation service for a Hindu funeral?

The cremation service at the crematorium lasts approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Can I leave early during a Hindu funeral?

If you need to leave, it is acceptable to do so quietly after the main crematorium ceremony. It is respectful to stay for the full service where possible.

How long does the Hindu mourning period last?

The formal Hindu mourning period typically lasts 13 days, concluding with the Tehravi or Uthamna ceremony.

What should I wear to a Hindu funeral?

White is the traditional colour of mourning. See our full guide to what to wear at a Hindu funeral for detailed advice.

What is the typical cost of a Hindu funeral in Birmingham?

See our Asian funeral cost guide for a detailed breakdown.

Contact Our Hindu Funeral Directors

Our Indian Funeral Company team can answer all your questions and provide compassionate support throughout the funeral process.

Call us on 0121 551 2134 at any time of day or night.

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   Hakam Surdhar 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I honestly can’t thank Meera and the team enough for how they handled my grandad’s funeral. The organisation and communication throughout were excellent, and their knowledge of Sikh funeral traditions was truly outstanding. They took such great care of my grandad—he looked incredibly smart on the day—and showed genuine kindness and compassion to our whole family during a very difficult time. I would highly recommend this funeral service to anyone looking for a caring and professional team.
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was extremely anxious every day up until the funeral day. My late grandad was loved by us all; the news was agonising. But the way this company handled the entire event was astounding. Meera was an incredible conductor. Throughout the entire day she was kind, considerate, clear and thoughtful. Her attention to detail and the way she supported us all, made me feel like there was always someone with us the whole way. She helped my grandads final journey run as smoothly as possible. I cannot express my gratitude any further. This is a horrible thing to go through, and she not only understood that, but knew exactly what we needed and how we needed it. You could feel the honesty  and reluctance in her words and actions. She is precisely what you need in this sort of situation; a support-pillar in our time of need. My thanks again to Meera for the honest compassion you've shown my family.
  
 
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   Kalvinder Kaur 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot thank Meera enough for all the support received, she looked after my dad so well, she was absolutely brilliant from day 1 even after the funeral she was ringing to see if we were all ok.  I would definitely recommend her to anyone god forbid if anyone loses there love ones, she is amazing.  Everything she did was down to a T.  Thank you so much Meera for making everything   go so smoothly.
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot express how brilliant Meera and the team were with my grandads funeral. The coordination and communication was brilliant and their knowledge of Sikh funerals was impeccable. My grandad was well taken care of, looked very smart on the day and they really showed so much kindness and compassion for us during the difficult time. I would definitely recommend this funeral company
  
 
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   Shannon Gill 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you to Meera and her team for the kindness and care they showed us after losing my grandad. They were thoughtful, reassuring, and genuinely understanding of how difficult everything felt. Meera handled every detail with sensitivity, guiding us gently through the arrangements and making the whole process feel far less overwhelming. On the funeral day itself, everything was carried out seamlessly and with real respect. They took the time to understand what we wanted and helped us honour my grandad in a way that felt truly personal. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone needing compassionate and professional support.
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot thank Meera and her team enough for the care and compassion they showed our family after the loss of my father in-law. From the very first phone call, they were professional, patient, and incredibly supportive. They guided us through every step of the process, making what was an impossibly difficult time feel manageable and organized. On the day of the funeral, everything ran smoothly and with great dignity. They took the time to listen to our wishes and created a truly fitting tribute. I would highly recommend their services to anyone in need of support.
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We cannot thank Meera and the team enough for everything they did for us and our family at such a difficult time. They took care of every last detail with care and professionalism.
  
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From the moment we met Meera, we knew we were in safe hands. Her kindness and compassion made a devastating time a little easier to bear. She treated our dad with such dignity and love. It felt Meera was more part of our family than a business,  guiding us every step of the way. I cannot recommend Meera @ The Indian Funeral Company enough, they provided a 5 star service during our most difficult time.
  
 
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Locations We Cover

Indian Funeral Company
17 Liskeard Road Park hall
West Midlands WS5 3EY
01922 438503

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