If you would like to learn more information about sending ashes to India to be scattered click here.
Asthi-Visarjan in Haridwar India
Asthi-Visarjan (Ashes Immersion) are the final rites for the release of Antyesti (last sacrifice). According to the Hindu religion, the ashes and remains of the deceased are collected in an earthen (biodegradable) container and are given to the holy river (Ganga or Ganges River). At Haridwar the holy river transitions its journey from the mountains to the Indo-Gangetic plains for the first time. Every year, thousands of Hindus pilgrimage to the sacred city to experience deeper spirituality, self healing, and nirvana.
It is commonly held that the release of ashes in the river Ganga is utmost sacred. Loved ones wishing to travel to Haridwar India to scatter ashes for final rites should read more about the Ganges River Accompanied Service below.
Included in the Ganges River Accompanied Service ($495):
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Prasad (holy food consisting of fruit with a mixture of yogurt, milk, and honey)
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Puja Kit (flowers, incense sticks, millet grains, milk, rice balls, and red vermillion) for ritual
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Asthi-Visarjan in the holy river Ganga by Pandit (Hindu Brahmin / Priest) with Parivar Gotra (lineage invocation) service held on private ghat (river bank)
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Pind Daan (donation of rice balls to nature) and Brahmin Bhoj (donation of food to priest)
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Refreshments, refreshing kits and bottled water
Accommodations Add-on ($245):
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Local transportation from Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, India which services Haridwar or from Haridwar Rail Station. Also includes transportation on day of Asthi-Visarjan (Ashes Immersion) to and from hotel in Haridwar. We can also help arrange transportation from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi to Haridwar via car (3.5 hours), train (4 hours), or plane (50 minutes). We offer affordable options compared to travel agencies.
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Visit the temples of Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi
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One night in luxury hotel near the holy river Ganga (for 2 people, contact us if more attending)
Ganges River Unaccompanied Service
There are many instances where families cannot make the journey back to India to perform the final ritual. The Ganges River Unaccompanied Service is a perfect option for those who might be physically, financially, or otherwise restricted from traveling to India for asthi-visarjan (ashes immersion). We clear and receive your loved one's Asthis (Ashes / Cremated Remains) in customs which comes by postal service / courier / airline cargo, and thereafter one of our experienced professionals documents and transports the asthis (ashes) to the Pandit (Hindu Brahmin / Priest) in Haridwar for immersion in the Ganges River.
Included in the Ganges River Unaccompanied Service ($395):
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Prasad (holy food consisting of fruit with a mixture of yogurt, milk, and honey)
-
Puja Kit (flowers, incense sticks, millet grains, milk, rice balls, and red vermillion) for ritual
-
Asthi-Visarjan in the holy river Ganga by Pandit (Hindu Brahmin / Priest) with Parivara Gotra (family lineage invocation)
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Pind Daan (donation of rice balls to nature) and Brahmin Bhoj (donation of food to priest) *service includes gratuity for the priest*
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All the Rituals are recorded and sent back to the family digitally.
For those of other faiths or beliefs we can customize the ceremony based on the wishes of the family. There are options for other flowing rivers as well as land ash scattering in the Himalayas.
Certain formalities have to be completed before sending the ashes overseas. The Indian Embassy / Consulate handles these matters in compliance with the requirements of the local authorities which are mentioned below:
Enclose the following in shipment:
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At least two certified copies of the death certificate
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At least two certified copies of the cremation certificate
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The Non-contraband Affidavit (on your funeral home’s letterhead)
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Picture of the deceased.
​Important Notes:
Asthis (Ashes / Cremated Remains) are to be send to India through U.S.P.S. Or Canada Posts or by Courier or other means as permitted in the country where cremation takes place along with all required documents as mentioned. You can reach out to Teraloom via the Contact Us button for help with paperwork and documents.