The many different religious and cultural customs and traditions can make decisions around gift giving and in-memory-of donations a difficult process. The Hindu traditions can be particularly challenging because of the many variances in beliefs. The type of condolence gift and the amount spent is often dependent upon the relationship shared with the deceased and family.
One of the most customary and traditional ways to express condolences is by bringing or sending condolence gift baskets, food or fruit to the family members of the deceased. When selecting a sympathy gift basket there are many considerations. Appropriate food items and gift baskets may include fruit, dried fruit and nuts, and flowers. Below are several appropriate ways to show honor and respect for the deceased, as well as show support to the bereaved, in the Hindu religion.
Food, Meals and Sympathy Baskets
It is traditional to bring sympathy gift baskets of fruit as an expression of sympathy and honor for the deceased. In many Hindu traditions it is expected that those visiting the home of the bereaved bring fruit, but because the practices vary so much, contact with family members or leaders in the particular Hindu tradition would be appropriate to assure the correct items are given. Traditional Hindu food would be vegetarian, prepared without onion or garlic.
Fruit & Nut Trays
Fruit Baskets
How Flowers Play a Role in Hindu Mourning Rituals
Sending flowers to the home of the family before or after the cremation is not expected, but could be a welcomed expression of honor, respect and sympathy.
It is not a Hindu custom to bring or send flowers to the grieving family at the funeral service. During the time leading up to the cremation of the body, flowers play an important role in the ceremony. Hindu mourners adorn the body with flowers and leaves prior to the funeral. Once the ceremony begins, additional flowers brought would simply be a distraction and could lead to negative karma for the deceased. Sending flowers to the home of the family after the cremation would not be expected, but would be a welcomed expression of honor, respect and sympathy.
Sympathy Flowers
Donations
Donations, though not typically a customary part of the Hindu tradition, may be a heartfelt way to send condolences. Some Hindu sects encourage the practice of giving to religious organizations in memory of the deceased.
Such giving of alms and offerings serves as a tribute to the dead and a means of passing on merit and creating good karma for the future incarnation of the deceased. Donations are often used to support the ministries of the Hindu religion and print pamphlets and booklets containing their teachings.
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