Indian Funeral Services in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur & Malaysia

Funeral Traditions in Malaysia: A Comprehensive Guide

Funeral customs differ widely across cultures and religions, especially within Hinduism
and among various ethnic communities such as Malayalees (Kerala), Telugus (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana), and Celonis.
In Malaysia, these traditions are honoured with deep respect, ensuring every family can follow the rituals that reflect their heritage and beliefs.

Hereโ€™s a simple step-by-step overview of how these communities observe their funeral rites.

Traditional Hindu Funeral Rites in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur & Malaysia

    • Collecting the Body

      1. From Hospital/Home: Arrange transportation to a funeral home or mortuary.
      2. Legal Requirements: Obtain a death certificate and required permits for burial or cremation .
    • Preparing the Body:

      1. Ritual Bathing: Family members bathe the body, often using holy water from the Ganges.
      2. Dressing: The body is dressed in traditional attire โ€” white for men, and red or white for women.
      3. Adornments: Vibhuti (sacred ash) and sandalwood paste are applied to the forehead.
    • Wake/Viewing:

      1. Location: Usually conducted at the family home.
      2. Rituals: Prayers and mantras are chanted by apriest . The body is placed with the head facing south.
    • Funeral Service:

      1. Puja and Offerings: Offerings of fruits, flowers, and incense are made.
      2. Homage: Family and friends gather to pay their respects.
    • Cremation:

      1. Procession: The body is taken to the cremation ground, typically led by the eldest son or a close male relative.
      2. Rituals: Final prayers are offered before lighting the pyre.
      3. Immersion of Ashes: Ashes are collected and immersed in a holy river within 10 days.
  • Post-Funeral Rituals:

    1. Mourning Period: The family observes a 13-day mourning period, with daily prayers.
    2. Shraddha: A ritual performed on the 10th or 13th day to honour the deceased.
    3. Annual Remembrance: Special prayers are held every year on the death anniversary.
Hindu Funeral
Post-Funeral Rituals

Malayalee Funeral Rites & Kerala Traditions in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur & Malaysia

  • Collecting the Body:

    1. From Hospital/Home: Transport the body to the family home.
    2. Legal Requirements: Obtain a death certificate and necessary permits.
  • Preparing the Body:

    1. Ritual Bathing: Close family members bathe the body.
    2. Dressing: The deceased is dressed in a white mundu (dhoti) for men and a white saree for women.
    3. Adorning: Application of sandalwood paste and floral decorations.
  • Wake and Rituals:

    1. Location: Home or funeral hall.
    2. Rituals: The body is placed with the head facing north, with an oil lamp near the head.
    3. Priestโ€™s Role: Hymns and prayers are chanted.
    4. Offerings: Flowers, incense, and food offerings.
  • Funeral Procession & Cremation/Burial:

    1. Procession: The body is taken to the cremation or burial site.
    2. Final Rites: If cremated, the eldest son lights the pyre.
    3. Ashes: Collected for immersion in a river or sea.
  • Post-Funeral Rituals:

    1. Mourning Period: Typically 16 days, with daily ceremonies.
    2. Sanchayanam: Collection of ashes on the 16th day.
    3. Annual Remembrance: Observance of the death anniversary with prayers and offerings.
Malayalee Funeral (Kerala Traditions)
Funeral Procession & Cremation/Burial

Celonis Funeral Rites & Traditions in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur & Malaysia

    • Collecting the Body:

      1. From Hospital/Home: The deceased is transported to thefuneral homeor to the family residence.
      2. Legal Requirements: The death certificate and all required permits are obtained.
    • Preparing the Body:

      1. Ritual Bathing: Performed by close family members.
      2. Dressing: The body is dressed in traditional or preferred attire chosen by the family.
    • Funeral Service:

      1. Rituals: Celonis funeral customs typically include chanting, lighting candles, and offering prayers.
      2. Offerings: Flowers, food, incense, and symbolic items are presented.
    • Cremation/Burial:

      1. Final Prayers: Conducted at the burial site or cremation ground.
      2. Procession: The body is taken to the final resting place in a ceremonial manner.
      3. Ash Immersion: If cremated, ashes are immersed in a sacred or meaningful location.
  • Post-Funeral Rituals:

    1. Mourning Period: Observed according to the familyโ€™s customs and traditions.
Celonis Funeral
Post Funeral Ritual

Telugu Funeral Rites & Traditions in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur & Malaysia

  • Collecting the Body:

    1. From Hospital/Home: Transport the body to the family home.
    2. Legal Requirements: Obtain a death certificate and necessary permits.
  • Preparing the Body:

    1. Ritual Bathing: The body is washed with turmeric-infused water.
    2. Dressing: Traditional white attire for both men and women.
    3. Adorning: Holy ash and sandalwood paste applied to the forehead.
  • Wake/Viewing:

    1. Location: Family home.
    2. Rituals: Vedic mantras are chanted, led by a priest.
    3. Placement: The body is positioned with the head facing south.
  • Funeral & Cremation:

    1. Procession: The body is carried to the cremation ground.
    2. Rituals: The eldest son lights the pyre.
    3. Ashes: Collected for immersion in a sacred river.
  • Post-Funeral Rituals:

    1. Mourning Period: Lasts 11 days.
    2. Peddana Ceremony: Held on the 11th day to conclude mourning.
    3. Annual Remembrance: Special prayers on the death anniversary.
Telugu Funeral (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana Traditions)
Post-Funeral Rituals

Need Assistance?

Losing a loved one is never easy. At Eternity Funeral Services, we handle the necessary arrangements so that families can focus on mourning and honoring their loved ones.

๐Ÿ“ž Call us at: +60179377982 | +60129331462

๐Ÿ’™ Rest easy, weโ€™ve got your back.

Contact us now
Scroll to Top