Antyeshti
Asthi Visarjan
Immersion of a loved one's ashes in a holy river.
About the Ritual
Asthi Visarjan is the sacred ritual of immersing the cremated remains (ashes and bones) of a departed loved one in a holy river, most commonly the Ganga. It is usually performed within a few days to a couple of weeks after cremation.
Why to Perform
The ritual is believed to help the departed soul attain liberation (moksha) and unite with the divine, while also fulfilling the family's duty toward their ancestors as prescribed in scriptures such as the Garuda Purana.
Who Should Perform
Typically performed by the chief mourner (often the eldest son) along with close family, guided by a priest at a designated ghat.