Sikhism is a community that comprises people of diverse backgrounds, and this principle of equality is reflected in its teachings, which also emphasise service and the constant remembrance of God. Because the principles of human life and death have been highly respected in their journey, and thus the soul. Meanwhile, when a member of a Sikh family has passed away, various respectful and meaningful rituals are performed to show love and respect to the departed soul. Places like Kuala Lumpur and Selangor have considerably strong Sikh communities that are following these rituals devotedly while being supported by the local infrastructure and laws.
Understanding Sikh Funeral Customs
Also, Sikhism is a faith that specifically points out that the relationship between the individual soul (atma) and the god (Purusha) is the highest realisation one can attain. Sikh funeral customs are very much the same in that they are concentrated solely on glorifying the soul’s sharing with the divine through love rather than the memory of grief caused by the person’s death.
It is customary that the corpse shall be washed and laid out in clean clothes, mainly white, and, along with the prayers, the body shall be placed in a coffin. The rituals remain strongly embedded and are honoured, but still, in Kuala Lumpur, they have modernised the traditional practices to be more practical, which includes the assistance from the professionals of the Sikh funeral services in KL that enable the families to manage the whole process on their own while they are still by the spiritual guidelines.
The Funeral Process in Selangor’s Sikh Communities
Home to the large Sikh population is a place called Selangor. The families mostly adopt the conventional protocol with some deviation depending on the customs of the locality and the availability of the facilities. In the immediate period following the demise of a loved one, close family members and the Granthi (priest) start the prayer ceremonies either at their home or at the Gurdwara (Sikh temple).
Following the completion of the preparation, the body is transported to the crematorium or any other agreed place for Antam Sanskar. Incineration of the body is followed by the collection of ashes, which are most times dipped in a river, a gesture that represents the release of the physical form to nature. The agents who are the facilitators of the local community, such as the funeral services in KL, are usually commissioned for keeping all that is necessary logistically and ceremonially in place, especially for those who do not know the whole process.
Post-Cremation Prayers and Remembrance
After the cremation, the family does a prayer ritual called ‘Akhand Path’ or ‘Sahaj Path’. These can be held over multiple days and attended by friends, family, and the community. Feeding is an important part of the communal gathering, which exemplifies the Sikh principle of Langar—feeding all without discrimination.
The intention of those meetings is not only to raise their voices in prayer but also to bring the family of the deceased the consolation of their presence. The healing process, the opportunity to reflect, get spiritually well, and evoke memories of the deceased are the goals of such moments.
Ashok and Bhavna are my friends in Malaysia. I’ve learnt that they often come together for prayers on the tenth day after the death of a loved one and even on the fortieth day, if the case so requires. In such situations, Sikh Funeral Services Malaysia is among the numerous service providers that will arrange all, from the pick-up of the car to the request for prayers and the handing over to the religious figures.
Traditional Observance Assisted by Modern Facilities
The families of Sikhs who live in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor now frequently work alongside the providers of these services when they wish to have the funeral ceremony of the people they love carried out according to the values of their religion, and these providers make sure that these rituals are conducted according to these values. These service providers are expected to provide their best in this cooperation and make families feel that the services they perform are indeed expressions of their religion.
For assistance with funeral planning and arrangements, contact us at 📞 +6017-9377982 / +6012-9331462
Rest Easy; We’ve Got Your Back.
