Many British Indians used to return to their historic homeland to scatter cremation ashes.
But after Covid made international travel impossible many British Indians chose to scatter in British rivers and the sea.
And even though international travel is now permitted, according to Ashesregister.com the service which maps last resting places for cremated remains, many British Indians are now choosing to scatter their loved one’s ashes in British waters.
“Obviously it was not possible to travel to India under Covid” says Richard Martin, Ashes Register’s founder, “But now the restrictions are lifted we are not seeing a full return of ashes repatriation to India. Many British Indians are choosing to scatter in British waters. It is not clear whether this is a cultural shift but obviously as time passes the links to their historical homeland lessen.”
Hindu tradition requires cremation with the ashes to be scattered on running water. Cremations in India often take place in the open air but this is illegal in the UK. However other traditions are followed.
The ashes need to go into running water (the sea is permissible). This is to allow the spirit a smoother tradition to the next life. The most auspicious place in India are: Kashi (Varanasi), Haridwar, Prayagraj (Formerly known as Allahabad), Sri Rangam, Brahmaputra on the occasion of Ashokastami and Rameswaram.
However the rivers, lakes and coast of the UK can be used
The ashes can either be poured directly into the water.
The Association of United Hindu and Jain Temples guidance note on funerals recommends the use of a container that dissolves in within 4 hours and pour milk and Ganga Jal (water from the Ganges) into the container. Then place the ashes, urn, water and milk into the running water.
Ashesregister.com recommends Scattering Ashes if you require a boat for the scattering service.
