Supporting Sikh Funeral Traditions In Line with Faith and Family Wishes

Rowland Brothers have supported families and those of the Sikh faith in Croydon and South London for over 150 years.

Every family is unique and loved ones’ funerals should be too. Our team recognise that Sikh funerals entail their own important traditions, full of hymns and prayers in celebration of life. We’re dedicated to supporting families in honouring these traditions, whether at a gurdwara or a crematorium.

Understanding Sikh Funeral Traditions

Sikh funerals tend to have a deep set of traditions or ‘Antam Sanskar’ (translates to ‘final rites’), which typically encompasses the following:

  • A prompt funeral (often 1-2 days following death)
  • The body is ritually washed and dressed
  • A traditional cremation, ashes may be scattered in a river or ocean
  • A burial is allowed but a headstone is not permitted
  • A service which involves Kirtan (hymn singing) and the Ardas prayer

We aim to approach each of these traditions with due consideration and care.

Sikh Funeral Traditions

Understanding Sikh Funeral Traditions

Sikh funerals tend to have a deep set of traditions or ‘Antam Sanskar’ (translates to ‘final rites’), which typically encompasses the following:

  • A prompt funeral (often 1-2 days following death)
  • The body is ritually washed and dressed
  • A traditional cremation, ashes may be scattered in a river or ocean
  • A burial is allowed but a headstone is not permitted
  • A service which involves Kirtan (hymn singing) and the Ardas prayer

We aim to approach each of these traditions with due consideration and care.

Sikh Funeral Traditions

Rowland Brothers has been arranging funerals in Croydon and surrounding areas since 1873, and we’ve had the privilege of supporting families from all kinds of backgrounds and faiths, including many from the Sikh community.

We know that a Sikh funeral isn’t just a ceremony. It’s a deeply personal act of faith, guided by the teaching of the Guru Granth Sahib, and it deserves to be handled properly.

How We Support Sikh Families in Croydon 

Collaboration with Granthis, faith leaders or community members

Support for large gatherings and locations (home, gurdwara, outside etc.)

Arrangements for repatriation if your loved one is returning to their country of origin

Guidance through cultural or religious requirements

Flexible funeral formats, from traditional services to celebrations of life

We handle everything, and we coordinate directly with your Gurdwara to make things easier for families during a difficult time.

Contact Us

Sikh traditions means that funerals tend to happen quickly, usually within 24-28 hours, and we’re experienced in moving fast when families need us to – without cutting corners on care and detail.

If you’ve just lost a loved one and need help straight away, call us on 0800 0789 636 – we’re here 24 hours a day.

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