Sanatan Mandir Sabha is a Hindu religious association in eastern Norway with around 900 members. In 1997, the association opened a temple at Slemmestad, outside of Oslo. However, the priest believes that it is possible to adapt the rituals to Norwegian conditions and still make sure that the spirit of the dead person is correctly released from its body. Hindus believe that humans are born again and again according to their karma , until they finally gain respite - moksha. By living a life of value without sin, it is possible to come closer to moksha, and perhaps be reborn in a higher form in the next life.
Ganges contributes to rinsing oneself from sin.
An Indian woman who lives in Oslo invited her elderly mother to come to Norway. Before leaving India, the mother made sure that she had bought a small container of water from the Ganges. When death approaches, the sick person will be lifted out of their bed and laid on the floor with their head towards the north. Relatives gather around the dying person, dip a leaf of sweet basil in water from the Ganges or milk, an place this on the lips of the dying person while they sing holy songs and read holy texts. To enter death with all of ones senses alive is considered ideal, and many Hindus will refrain from taking medication when they feel that their time is up.