In Hindu tradition and many other cultures around the world, the final rites don’t end with cremation. The journey of the soul continues, and the ashes left behind — known as “asthi” in Sanskrit — must be immersed in a sacred river to complete the soul’s transition. This ritual is deeply spiritual and symbolic, and arranging for it requires sensitivity, preparation, and respect for religious customs.
At Antim Journey, we specialize in guiding families through this important step with compassion, clarity, and care. Whether you are located in India or abroad, we help make the process seamless and sacred.
So, after cremation, how do you set up an urn or an immersion of ashes? Let’s go over all the information you require.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Urn for Ash Storage
After cremation, the remains are collected and stored in an urn — a container designed to hold the ashes with dignity and respect. The selection of the urn is the first step, and this can be a deeply personal choice.
A variety of materials are available for urns, including:
- Brass or copper (for traditional Indian rituals)
- Biodegradable urns (for eco-friendly water immersion)
- Marble, ceramic, or wooden urns (for at-home preservation or transport)
At Antim Journey, we offer a curated selection of urns suitable for both domestic and international travel, as well as for water immersion ceremonies.
Step 2: Transporting the Ashes
If the cremation and immersion will take place in different cities or countries, the ashes need to be transported safely. This involves:
- Obtaining a non-objection certificate (NOC) from the crematorium
- Collecting a cremation certificate
- Properly sealing the urn
- Packing the urn in a secure travel container
- Following airline guidelines (if flying)
For international families, we assist with air cargo documentation, airport clearance, and coordination with local authorities to ensure a stress-free experience.
Step 3: Selecting a Sacred Location for Ash Immersion
According to Hinduism, ashes submerged in a sacred river can assist the soul achieve moksha, or emancipation. Some of the most revered places for ashes immersion include:
- Haridwar: On the Ganga River’s banks
- Varanasi (Kashi) – Considered the most sacred city for asthi visarjan
- Allahabad (Prayagraj) is where the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati converge.
- Rameswaram – Sacred in South India
- Trimbakeshwar (Nashik) – Located on the banks of the Godavari
We at Antim Journey offer customized immersion packages to these holy cities, including priest arrangements, puja rituals, transportation, and accommodation.
Step 4: Organizing the Ritual: Asthi Visarjan
Asthi Visarjan, the ashes immersion ritual, is often carried out a few days to weeks following cremation. Here’s what the ceremony typically includes:
- A Hindu priest known as a pujari chants holy mantras and conducts Vedic rites.
- Family members gather at the riverbank or ghat
- Offerings like flowers, sesame seeds, milk, and Ganga water are prepared
- The ashes are carefully submerged in the river after the urn is opened.
Some families also choose to perform pind daan or other post-cremation rituals like Shraddha or Tarpan at the same time.
Antim Journey ensures everything from the puja materials to priest coordination is handled smoothly, so you can focus on remembering your loved one in peace.
Step 5: Post-Immersion Rituals and Closure
After the immersion ceremony, families may observe a mourning period (traditionally 13 days in Hindu culture). During this time, daily rituals are conducted at home or in a temple, and food may be donated to the needy or offered to Brahmins as a mark of respect for the departed soul.
Some families also install a small memorial or perform annual Shraddha rituals in remembrance.
Antim Journey supports families with:
- Memorial ceremony planning
- Brahmin bhojan (feeding priests)
- Donations and charity setup
- Reminder services for yearly Shraddha dates
Important Tips While Planning Ash Immersion
- Plan ahead: Book transport, priest, and accommodation in advance if traveling to a holy city.
- Understand local customs: Rituals may vary slightly based on regional or family traditions.
- Respect the environment: Use eco-friendly items and biodegradable urns when possible.
- Travel permits: For international transport, consult with your embassy or consulate.
At Antim Journey, we manage all the logistics and spiritual elements, ensuring your family can grieve without worry and focus on honoring the soul.
Why Choose Antim Journey?
Losing a loved one is painful, and arranging rituals during that time can be emotionally taxing. Antim Journey stands by families with:
- 24/7 support and guidance
- Ashes transport across India and internationally
- Sacred immersion tours to Haridwar, Varanasi, Rameswaram & more
- Verified priest network and ritual arrangements
- Biodegradable urns and spiritual items
- Compassionate care tailored to your needs
The final farewell is not just a ritual—it’s a sacred responsibility filled with love, reverence, and a deep connection to our cultural roots. Knowing how to arrange for an urn or ashes immersion after cremation can help make this emotional journey more manageable.
Let Antim Journey be your guiding light in these final rites. We walk with you, step by step, honoring tradition, supporting your emotions, and helping you complete the last journey with dignity and peace.