The death of a close person is one of the hardest life experiences. When such an individual dies and returns home, the logistical and emotional burden may seem particularly heavy. So you find yourself in this position, and now you have to organize a cremation, but the person died in another country, it is normal to feel a little lost as to what to do first. I will guide you through all the steps and assist you in approaching the process with a clear and cautious mind.
An insight into the situation
Arranging a cremation in a different county might sound like a challenging process, but remembering your loved one and what he/she would have wanted to do could get you through the steps.
In the case of a death taking place outside India, it involves several legal, logistical, and emotional procedures to get your loved one back to India and organize a cremation. Despite the uniqueness of each situation, certain general processes must be addressed by most families. Let’s go through them one by one.
Step 1: Report to Authorities and Get a Death Certificate
The initial formal step is to get in touch with the local authorities in the nation where your relative died. This will require you to have an official death certificate from the local government. This is a very important document – it contains the particulars of the death, and this is required in all further proceedings, right down to the cremation itself.
In such cases, most embassies or consulates offer advice. Contact the Indian Embassy in that country – they will be able to assist you in contacting local hospitals, police, and other authorities to obtain the Death certificate most effectively.
Step 2: Get in touch with the Indian Embassy or Consulate
The registered death will now enable the Indian Embassy or Consulate to help you repatriate the body in circumstances that you may wish to take your loved one back to India to be cremated. They may also help you to get informed about the local legislation, provide you with paperwork support, and, under some circumstances, they are even able to offer recommendations concerning trustworthy funeral agencies in the state.
The steps can include:
- Translations of records (if the Death certificate and other documents are written in a foreign language)
- Making arrangements for embalming and the acquisition of a “No Objection Certificate” to allow transportation.
- Arranging with airlines and customs in case of transportation of mortal remains
Step 3: Transportation to Bangalore
The transport of a body across a national border can be complex and normally requires the services of an experienced funeral home or specialized repatriation firm. Be sure to know all the legal requirements, such as permits and customs laws, to abide by without delay or inconvenience.
The body is normally referred to in a hermetically sealed coffin, according to international health and safety regulations, depending on the time and the flights available. Have all the documentation ready, both to leave and arrive.
Step 4: Selecting a Crematorium in Bangalore
The second procedure, when the remains of your loved one have been brought to Bangalore, is to select a crematorium where the cremation is to be carried out. Bangalore has numerous facilities under the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP Crematoriums).
The Banashankari Electric Crematorium is one of the most popular and trustworthy ones. This is a very comfortable option as the facility is modern, the attendants are respectful, and there is no failure in a very personal moment.
There are also other BBMP Crematoriums in the city that are equally as good in their care, and it is more convenient to select one that is closer to your residence, in case that is more desirable.
Step 5: Cremation Preparation in Bangalore
You will also be required to produce all the related documents, such as the Death certificate, a copy of the deceased’s passport, and any permits concerning international transportation with the help of professional Cremation services in Bangalore.
Most contemporary Cremation services in Bangalore will help you with the logistics, which include booking the time of the ceremony, provision of a priest (in case required), and preparing the crematorium with the required rituals and materials.
The Banashankari Electric crematorium has become the preferred crematorium for several families due to its efficiency and the sense of dignity that it provides. This crematorium uses an electric furnace, and this is an environmentally friendly way to honor the request of your loved one or family customs.
When you go there, you will be required to produce the relevant documents – most importantly, the Death certificate. Employees will assist you with everything, including the paperwork and the ceremony itself. The majority of the families prefer a brief ritual or prayer before the cremation, which can be easily organized with the help of the crematorium workers.
Step 7: Collecting the Ashes and Completion of Ritual
When the cremation procedure is completed at Banashankari Electric crematorium (or at any other one), the ashes may be received on the same or the next day, in some instances. The collection process will be handled by its staff. Most families opt to carry out more rituals at the riverside, temple, or any other special location.
Step 8: Post-Cremation Administrative Affairs
Keep several copies of the original Death certificate, you can be asked to produce this document in the future by the law, in financial or property transactions. Banks, insurance, and any other authorities should be notified, and arguably, the first on the list to settle the affairs of your loved one.
Final Thoughts
Even organizing the cremation of a relative or a friend who died in another country is a logistical issue, but also an emotional one. And don’t forget that there is nothing wrong with seeking assistance. Seek the support of friends, relatives, and even professional counsellors, in case you feel you need some emotional assistance, during this period of loss.
With a little knowledge of the process, the help of a supportive professional, particularly Cremation services in Bangalore, and the selection of a reputable facility like Banashankari Electric Crematorium, you can get your loved one seen off with honour, regardless of the place in the world where the death occurred.
You are not alone in this. And with every step, you are giving love and dignity to the person who was everything to you.
Beleiv provides loving funeral services in Bangalore, with a personal touch and attention to the family going through its rough times, giving a dignified send-off to the loved one with compassion and help throughout the procedure.
