Although there are many Asians in Australia, many Australians will only be familiar with Western funerals rites, even if these include various traditional elements from both religious and secular services. Emphatically, it should be stated that there is no such thing as a single type of Asian funeral. For example, the sort of funeral that might be carried out in China is not going to be the same as you would expect to find in Iran or Sri Lanka. However, religious Asian funerals tend to fall into one of three main categories according to the major religions in that part of the world. Read on to find out what to expect if you are attending an Asian funeral in the near future.
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Hindu Funerals
To begin with, certain funeral rites are conducted by the family before a Hindu funeral service. Mostly, these will be conducted soon after the death of the individual. In many western countries, the body will be dressed in smart attire these days but this varies depending on the family concerned. As tradition dictates, Hindus will be cremated. Typically, an Australian crematorium will be the funeral takes place, usually overseen by a religious leader from the local Hindu community. Ask about the attire you will be expected to wear. Most Hindus wear light clothing for funerals but attitudes alter in Australia so formal dark clothing may – or may not – be expected.
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Islamic Funerals
When a Muslim dies, it is expected that the funeral arrangements will be put in place as soon as possible. Under Islamic teachings, the body should be buried in a location close to where the person died which might be a long way from home depending on what they were doing when they passed on. Islamic funerals are always burials, usually with the body of the deceased being wrapped in white sheets that have been secured in place with ropes. Depending on the specific beliefs of the deceased, sometimes women will not be expected to attend the mosque prior to the burial but this varies from community to community so check if you are unsure what to do in this regard.
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Sikh Funerals
Under the Sikh faith, Antam Sanskaar – or funerals – are regarded as celebratory events. Staged at the nearest temple, they can be sad but they tend to focus on the life of the person who has died and to give thanks for their life and legacy. The Akhand Paath is the most sacred part of Sikh funerals when religious readings will be made. In Australia, the form of this sort of funeral tends to be more modern than you'd find in Asia. That is something that Sikh funerals have in common with many Asian funerals in Australia today, of course.
