Sikh Funeral

Sikh funerals

Sikhism is an eastern religion that originated in the Punjab region of southern Asia.

Sikhs believe in reincarnation and karma, and think the purpose of life is to gain enlightenment through meditation and the teachings of the gurus.

DEATH- Sikh beliefs

The concept of death is viewed as a part of the natural order. According to Sikhism, when a person passes away, it is the physical body that ceases to function, while the essence of the individual, often referred to as the soul, continues its journey through a cycle of transmigration and rebirth. Within Sikh philosophy, life's purpose revolves around drawing nearer to Waheguru, the term used to denote the divine in Sikh tradition. The passing away from one life is seen as a means to break free from the continual cycle of rebirth. This is believed to be achievable through virtuous actions, ethical conduct, and the benevolent grace of Waheguru (nadar). The culmination of this journey is thought to be the soul's departure from the earthly realm to unite with the 'Exalted Bestower of Wisdom'.

CREMATION CEREMONY-

Similar to several Asian spiritual traditions, Sikh ideology posits that the corporeal form merely acts as a vessel for the soul's presence. As a result of this perspective, cremation is generally favored among Sikhs, although burial is also deemed permissible. It's important to note that the practice of erecting headstones or monuments is not part of their customs. This is attributed to the belief in reincarnation, where the soul transitions into a new form, leaving behind the physical remains as an empty shell. Instead, as a way of commemorating their departed, Sikhs opt to scatter the cremated ashes over bodies of water or locations of significance. 

SIKH FUNERAL TIMING-

The preparations for a Sikh funeral commence promptly following the passing, typically within a span of three days. Preceding the funeral ceremony, the body of the departed individual is cleansed and attired. In the case where the deceased had undergone the ritual of baptism, they are clothed in their karkars, signifying the five sacred items of the Sikh faith. These comprise:

In addition, the vicinity of the deceased's body is adorned with blossoms, frequently orange and white chrysanthemums, which hold mourning symbolism in several regions of Asia.

Do Sikhs go to Gurdwara Sahib before a funeral?

Sikh customs advocate a reserved and private approach to mourning, discouraging overt exhibitions of public emotion. Instead, during times of bereavement, relatives and close companions assemble at the Gurdwara Sahib, where Kirtan (devotional songs) are chanted and funeral supplications are offered. This observance underscores their commitment to the divine and their willingness to embrace the divine will in reclaiming their loved one. 

How a Sikh funeral is conducted includes: 

The Sikh funeral, referred to as 'Antam Sanskaar,' which translates to 'final ritual' or 'last passage,' doesn't center on the anguish or sorrow of losing a loved one. Rather, it is regarded as a commemoration of the soul, making it a celebration of sorts. Hence, Sikh funeral ceremonies generally retain a straightforward nature.

The location for the funeral service can vary, encompassing options such as the family residence, the gurdwara, an open area, or the crematorium. A conventional Sikh funeral incorporates a communal prayer known as 'Ardas,' along with the recitation of two daily prayers, namely 'Japji' and 'Kirtan Sohila.' Since the ceremony is steeped in religious significance, extensive or emotionally charged eulogies by grieving family members are discouraged. This perspective aligns with their belief that the physical body serves merely as a vessel for the soul.

What to wear to a Sikh funeral?

If you're contemplating appropriate attire for a Sikh funeral, adhering to funeral etiquette entails opting for attire that is both dignified and modest. While white is conventionally associated with mourning in various Asian cultures, in situations where the funeral is held in a Western country, black, navy, or grey are more prevalent choices. When in doubt about the appropriate color to choose, it's advisable to seek guidance from the deceased's family.

Moreover, it's customary for both genders to wear head coverings, and it's important to bear in mind that shoes are to be removed upon entering a gurdwara or Sikh households.

Should you send flowers to a Sikh funeral?

The Sikh funeral customs typically do not encompass the inclusion of flowers and donations. However, should you wish to send flowers, it's advisable to reach out to the bereaved family in advance to ascertain their preferences. 

Is there a post-funeral gathering following Sikh funeral services? 

Following the funeral service, the close friends and family of the departed convene to engage in the recitation of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of Sikhism. This formal reading is referred to as the 'Akhand Paatth' and transpires either at the family's residence or within the gurdwara premises. Typically, it is undertaken in an uninterrupted manner over the course of three days, although there's flexibility for it to extend across a more extended timeframe, often spanning ten days.

Subsequently, on the first anniversary of the passing, the grieving family gathers to partake in prayer, communal meals, and festivities in remembrance of the departed individual's life