Hindu grief practices — antyesti and shraddha

Hindu death rites — antyesti, the funeral rites, and shraddha, the ongoing memorial practices — reflect a deep engagement with what happens to the self after death and how the living can continue to serve those who have died. The thirteen-day mourning period, the annual shraddha ceremonies, and the ritual participation of family all create a sustained container for grief that honors both the dead and the living. This domain examines the practices and the philosophy behind them.