I saw a photo here on the site about the Manjkarnika Cremation Ghat. Is everyone in India cremated? I know in a lot of cultures cremation is practiced. I'm just curious about India and how they bury their dead. I think what fascinates me about this practice is the time I spent in Mexico for the "Day of the Dead" festival. Each culture and religion have their own way of sending loved ones off.
Yes, traditionally, all Indians are cremated except babies, children and saints. The casket of the dead is usually carried in a stretcher. Then, the eldest man in the family has to accompany the casket into the cremation site. If we trace back to history, the dead were usually cremated in the Ganges River. The whole family will be there around the pyre built for the dead loved one. It will then be burned and they have to stay there until it's completely burned. Once completely burned, the funeral is done. A day after the funeral and the cremation, the family has to meet up again and collect the ashes. Traditionally, these ashes should be spread into the Ganges River. But nowadays, it's acceptable to spread the ashes even in other rivers. I hope this is helpful!
