Past/Passed

Most Hindus believe that cremation is the right way to deal with the body of a family member after his/her death. Perhaps the only exceptions are children under the age of three, who are buried rather than cremated. It is deemed that the soul lingers as long as the body is intact, however once the body is cremated the soul can move on to the next phase of being. Also to ensure that the soul does pass on to the realm of Yama, the god of death, the immediate family of the deceased are forbidden to partake in any sort of celebration. They are expected to lead the utmost simple life for a set amount of time. At the end of this period everyone meet for a ceremonial meal, and give generously to charities and to the poor.

The majority of people following Hinduism believe in reincarnation. So while the family and friends of the deceased are grieving during the funeral, some of the rituals performed are celebratory. This is also where the idea of past/passed plays into the picture, because each passed life is considered as a stepping stone for a soul. In each life the soul is supposed to learn new lessons, and correct or pay for all the wrongs done in the previous lives. And the eventual goal for all the souls is to achieve moksha, which means freedom from the cycle of rebirth.