The Right Flowers for a Hindu Funeral
What Flowers Are Appropriate at
a Hindu Funeral?
Marigolds in orange and yellow are the most traditional flowers for a Hindu funeral in Singapore. Jasmine garlands, white flowers, and other bright colours are also welcome. The most important thing to understand is this: unlike Chinese Buddhist and Taoist funerals, where colour is strictly white and yellow, bright colours are appropriate and honoured at a Hindu funeral.
The Marigold — The Most Important Hindu Funeral Flower
The marigold is the sacred flower of Hindu tradition. Its vibrant orange and yellow tones represent the sun, purity, and the divine. At Hindu funeral ceremonies — whether a simple wake at a void deck or a more elaborate service at a Hindu temple — marigolds are the most recognised and honoured floral tribute.
In Hindu culture, death is understood as the soul’s liberation from the physical body — a transition toward rebirth or moksha (spiritual liberation). The warm, radiant colours of marigolds reflect this understanding: not just grief for a departure, but brightness for a journey.
Other Appropriate Flowers for a Hindu Wake
Jasmine garlands are deeply traditional at Hindu funeral and cremation ceremonies — fragrant, white, and sacred. White flowers generally — white chrysanthemums, white lilies, white carnations — are all respectful choices. Fresh flower garlands placed around the body or at the entrance are a common and meaningful tribute.
A funeral flower stand in orange, yellow, or white tones is the most practical tribute to send if you cannot attend in person. A fresh condolence bouquet in marigold or jasmine is appropriate to present personally.
What to Expect at the Wake
Hindu Funeral Customs in Singapore
Singapore’s Indian Hindu community observes funeral traditions rooted in Sanskrit texts and regional customs from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and other Indian states. Here is what to know before you arrive with flowers.
⏱ How Long Does a Hindu Wake Last in Singapore?
A Hindu wake in Singapore is typically held for one night only, with the body cremated within 24 hours of passing. This follows the Hindu belief that the soul begins its journey immediately after death — a prolonged delay is generally not practised.
Some families, particularly those with relatives flying in from overseas, may extend the wake to a second night. But the default is one night — and you should plan your flower order on that assumption.
The wake is typically held at the family’s home, a community centre, or a void deck. Flowers and garlands are placed near the body and at the entrance to the wake area. The atmosphere is solemn but not colourless — marigolds and jasmine bring warmth and fragrance to the space.
📍 Where Are Flowers Placed at a Hindu Wake?
Flowers at a Hindu wake in Singapore are typically displayed in two ways:
At the entrance — funeral flower stands and bouquets are placed at the entrance to the home or void deck. Guests see these as they arrive and understand them as tributes from those who could not attend.
Around the body — the immediate family typically places fresh garlands of marigolds and jasmine around the body itself. These are intimate family tributes, not something ordered by friends or colleagues.
If you are ordering a flower stand, it will be placed at the entrance. If you are bringing a bouquet in person, hand it to the immediate family on arrival
✍ What to Write on Your Condolence Card — Tamil, Hindi & English Phrases
Hindu condolence messages express peace for the departed soul and strength for the bereaved family. “Om Shanti” — the Sanskrit invocation of peace — is universally recognised and deeply meaningful.
Keep the message sincere and brief. If you are not Hindu yourself, a simple heartfelt message is always appropriate and appreciated.
| Om Shanti | Peace unto the departed soul — the most universal Hindu phrase |
| Aatma ko shanti mile | May the soul find peace (Hindi) |
| Ātmā nilaindhu āludāka | May the soul rest in peace (Tamil) |
| May the soul attain moksha | Spiritual liberation — the highest Hindu aspiration |
| With deepest condolences and prayers | Simple English — always appropriate |
| Praying for the family’s strength | Focus on the bereaved, not just the deceased |
For more condolence message ideas, see our 199+ condolence messages guide.
Why We Understand — A True Story
The Phone Call That Made
Us Who We Are
A few years into running FFS, I got a call that I still think about today. A close friend of mine — a Singaporean Indian man I had known for years — called in a panic. His uncle had just passed away. The family was Hindu. The wake would be held that night. Cremation was the next morning.
He needed flowers delivered within three hours. He had already called four florists. Not one of them could do it. Some did not understand the urgency. One said: “Tonight? Cannot lah. Our last delivery is at 6pm.”
He was about to give up when he called me.
We made it. Barely — but we made it. I called my delivery driver, we pulled the freshest marigold arrangements we had, and the flowers arrived with 45 minutes to spare.
What stayed with me was my friend’s voice when he described calling the other florists. The disappointment. The helplessness. The feeling that nobody in Singapore understood his community’s customs enough to make an effort. That was the day I made a promise: FFS will serve every community in Singapore, and we will answer the phone every time someone needs us.
— Madam Shun, Founder · Read the full story →
Our Promise to the Hindu Community
We pick up
90 minutes
We understand
Since 2010
Browse & Order Now
Recommended Flower Arrangements
for a Hindu Wake
All arrangements below are appropriate for a Hindu wake. Order online or call +65 9135 4444 — we can arrange and deliver within 90 minutes anywhere in Singapore.
Funeral Flower Stand
Funeral Flower Stand
Funeral Flower Stand
Funeral Flower Stand
Funeral Flower Stand
Funeral Flower Stand
Funeral Flower Stand
Funeral Flower Stand
Viewing 8 of 100+ designs. View all funeral flower stands →
⏱ A Hindu Wake — The 24-Hour Window
⚠ Read This First
The Most Important Thing to Know
About Hindu Wakes in Singapore
Hindu wakes in Singapore are typically held for one night only. In accordance with Hindu tradition, the body is cremated within 24 hours of passing — sometimes sooner. This is not a guideline. It is a tradition observed by the overwhelming majority of Hindu families in Singapore.
What this means for you: the window for sending flowers is not days. It is hours. If the person passed away this morning and the wake is tonight, your flowers need to be ordered and delivered before the wake begins — not tomorrow, not this afternoon if it is already late. Now.
Most florists in Singapore cannot fulfil this kind of order. Their last delivery is at 6pm. Their arrangement requires 3 hours of notice. Their driver does not go to Yishun at 9pm.
FFS is different. We have delivered Hindu funeral flowers at 10pm on a Tuesday, at 7am on a Sunday, and on Deepavali morning when every other florist in Singapore was celebrating. We answer the phone every time.
If you are reading this because someone you know has just passed away — call +65 9135 4444 now. Do not finish reading this page first.
Order Now — Not Later
Same-Day Hindu Funeral Flower
Delivery — 90 Minutes
Express delivery to any venue in Singapore within 90 minutes of ordering. 24 hours a day, every day — including Deepavali, Tamil New Year, and all public holidays.
We Deliver To
- Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Serangoon Road
- Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Little India
- Sri Mariamman Temple, South Bridge Road
- Mandai Crematorium & Columbarium
- Mount Vernon Crematorium
- All HDB void decks — island-wide
- Private homes, community centres, any venue
How to Order
Order in 3 Steps
-
01
Call Us — Right Now
Do not browse the website first. Call +65 9135 4444 immediately. Tell us the situation — when the person passed, when the wake starts, and where it is being held. We will take it from there.
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02
We Confirm Your Order in 2 Minutes
Tell us the wake address, your name and phone number, and what message to put on the arrangement. If you are unsure of the colours or style, we will recommend the appropriate arrangement for a Hindu wake.
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03
Fresh Flowers Delivered in 90 Minutes
Pay via PayNow, credit card, or bank transfer. Our driver will contact you when the flowers are on the way. We will make it before the wake begins.
Common Questions
Hindu Funeral Flowers — FAQs
Answers to the most common questions about Hindu funeral flowers in Singapore.
How long does a Hindu wake last in Singapore?
Marigolds in orange and yellow are the most traditional flowers for a Hindu funeral in Singapore. Jasmine garlands, white flowers, and other bright colours are also appropriate. Unlike Chinese Buddhist or Taoist funerals, bright colours are welcome and respectful at a Hindu funeral — they celebrate the soul’s journey. A funeral flower stand in orange and yellow tones is the most practical tribute to send if you cannot attend the wake in person.
Can I send white flowers to a Hindu funeral?
A Hindu wake in Singapore is typically held for one night only. The body is usually cremated within 24 hours of passing, in accordance with Hindu tradition. This makes timing absolutely critical — flowers must be ordered and delivered as soon as possible after the passing. FFS delivers Hindu funeral flowers in 90 minutes, 24 hours a day. Call +65 9135 4444 the moment you hear the news.
Why is it so urgent to order flowers for a Hindu funeral?
Yes. White flowers are appropriate at a Hindu funeral in Singapore — white jasmine is in fact the most traditional garland flower at Hindu ceremonies. The key difference from Chinese Buddhist funerals is that white is not the only option for Hindu funerals. Marigold orange and yellow are equally or more appropriate. If you are unsure what colours to choose, call us on +65 9135 4444 and we will advise.
What condolence message should I write for a Hindu funeral?
Hindu tradition observes cremation within 24 hours of passing. This means the wake is held for just one night — if your flowers do not arrive before the wake ends, they will not be displayed at all. Most Singapore florists cannot deliver after 6pm or on short notice. FFS specialises in exactly this situation: we deliver any hour of the day, on any day of the year, with a 90-minute turnaround from order to delivery. We have done this for the Singapore Hindu community since 2010. Read Madam Shun’s story to understand why.
Does FFS deliver Hindu funeral flowers on Deepavali?
The most widely recognised Hindu condolence message is “Om Shanti” — a Sanskrit invocation of peace for the departed soul. Other appropriate messages include “May the soul attain moksha”, “Aatma ko shanti mile” (Hindi for may the soul find peace), or simply “With deepest condolences and prayers for the family.” Every FFS order includes a personalised message card at no extra charge. For more ideas, see our 199+ condolence messages guide.
Yes. FFS is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — including Deepavali, Tamil New Year, Thaipusam, and every public holiday in Singapore. People pass away on public holidays too, and the same 24-hour cremation tradition applies regardless of the calendar. We will deliver your Hindu funeral flowers on any day, at any hour. Call +65 9135 4444.