In the event of a death, some hymns have been chosen to be recited. There is a strict injunction against lamentation and breast beating, which is other-wise common in the northern regions of India. The mourners sit around the body of the deceased and recite morning prayers. Before being taken for cremation, the corpse is bathed and dressed in the emblems of faith. The Sikhs cremate their dead like the Hindus.
Cremation always takes place before sunset.
The funeral pyre is lit by a son or the nearest male relative. While the pyre is ablaze, the priest sings hymns. After the cremation, everyone goes to the Gurudwara , where Granth Sahib is opened and a few lines are read out in order to console and reassure the mourners. Prasad is served. Someone usually informs the Gurudwara before going for cremation so that the path is recited generally in the house.