First Hour After a Death — What Families Must Do Now
This step-by-step emergency playbook was written for families facing the most difficult hour. It's legally accurate, ritual-aware (Hindu traditions prioritized here), and focused on immediate actions that protect you from delays, police complications, and unnecessary expenses.
The Immediate Checklist — First 0–60 Minutes
A practical minute-by-minute plan. Do these items in order — they are prioritized to avoid legal delays and to protect the dignity of the deceased.
🕒 0–5 minutes — Ensure safety & assess
Confirm there are no signs of life — breathing or movement. Do NOT move the body. Ensure the environment is safe (e.g., if an accident, risk from vehicles). If you suspect foul play, call the police immediately and preserve the scene.
🩺 5–15 minutes — Call a doctor to confirm death
If at home, call your family physician or any registered doctor. If in hospital, call the attending nurse/doctor. You need a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) signed by a registered medical practitioner — this is mandatory to proceed with funeral arrangements in almost all Indian jurisdictions.
📞 5–20 minutes — One-call to funeral helpline
Call +91-8999653202. Swargayatraa will dispatch refrigerated transport if needed, advise on police reporting (if applicable), and start paperwork. Keep the line open and have the following details ready: name of deceased, age, location, whether death is natural or suspected unnatural.
👨👩👧👦 10–30 minutes — Inform immediate family & assign roles
Designate one person to manage documents and calls, another to coordinate family notifications, and a third to secure the home and important documents (Aadhaar, bankpassbook, insurance details). This avoids confusion and duplication of efforts.
📄 15–40 minutes — Secure documents
Collect the deceased's Aadhaar, PAN (if available), medical records, insurance policy numbers, and any pre-paid funeral or prenup paperwork. Photograph important documents and store backups in the cloud if possible.
🚑 20–60 minutes — Decide immediate transport & preservation
If burial/cremation will be delayed or the body needs to travel, arrange a refrigerated ambulance or embalming. For interstate repatriation, the embalming certificate and coffin sealing certificate may be required by airlines and state authorities.
What To Do — Home, Hospital & Another City
Detailed actions for each common scenario. Follow the scenario most relevant to you — we coordinate across all of them.
Death at Home
Natural death: Call a doctor to certify the death. If the GP confirms, the doctor will issue an MCCD. Then call the funeral service. Sudden or suspicious death: Immediately inform the police — do not move the body. Police may require an FIR and a post-mortem, which will delay release of the body.
- Key tip: If the family doctor is not reachable, call the emergency ambulance for initial confirmation then the police if required.
- Forms: Keep Aadhaar and recent medical records ready.
Death in a Hospital
The hospital issues a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and usually a body release form. Confirm which documents are necessary to release the body to a third party (family name on file). We coordinate with hospital mortuary staff and collect release documentation.
- Key tip: Ask for a photocopy of all forms and a registrar signature; get the ward nurse's contact for follow-up.
Death in Another City/State
Repatriation needs more paperwork: embalming certificate (if by air), coffin certificate, authority letter from the family, and sometimes a no-objection certificate from local police. Swargayatraa arranges special freezer ambulances, certified embalming, and airline cargo booking.
- Key tip: For cross-state travel, get a written consent from local police if requested and ensure the airline's dead body transport protocols are followed precisely.
Swargayatraa — What We Handle (End-to-End)
We handle logistics, rituals, paperwork and emotional guidance so families can focus on grieving. Below are the core services we provide immediately.
🚑 Dead Body Transport
Refrigerated ambulances across India for short and long-distance travel. Optional freezer boxes for home preservation.
❄️ Body Preservation & Embalming
Short-term refrigeration (24–48 hrs) or certified embalming for air/long-distance transport; internationally accepted certification when required.
🔥 Cremation & Burial Bookings
Instant municipal and private crematorium bookings in major metros — we maintain live slot access for rapid booking.
📿 Priests & Rituals
Trained pandits for all major Hindu communities with authentic samagri and stage-managed ceremonies to avoid confusion during grieving.
📄 Documentation & Legal Help
We assist in acquiring the Death Certificate, police NOC if needed, FIR liaison, and consulate processes for international cases.
🤝 Emotional & Practical Guidance
24/7 guidance calls, checklists for next-of-kin, and post-funeral support including Purohit bookings and memorial planning.
Transparent Service Packages — Updated Pricing
Choose from respectful, culturally appropriate service options with honest, upfront pricing. Every rupee spent becomes sacred service for your loved one.
Pricing Transparency Promise
All costs explained upfront with itemized receipts. No hidden charges, no surprises during your sacred time of loss. Every service provided with dignity and respect.
Documents, Legalities & Exact Forms (Step-By-Step)
This section lists the exact documents and a sample checklist family members should follow immediately.
Essential Documents — Keep These Ready
- Aadhaar / Voter ID / Passport: Primary identity verification to issue Death Certificates, lodge claims, and complete crematorium formalities.
- Medical Certificate / MCCD: Must be signed by a registered medical practitioner. Hospitals provide this automatically; for home deaths, call the family doctor or local medical officer.
- Hospital Discharge / Body Release Slip: If the death occurred in hospital. Necessary to transport the body.
- Police FIR / Inquest Report: Required for unnatural/suspicious deaths. Post-mortem report may be mandatory in such cases.
- Insurance Papers & Will: If applicable, locate these to begin claim processes later.
Sample Immediate Checklist (Copy & Share)
SAMPLE IMMEDIATE CHECKLIST — First Hour
1) Call nearest doctor/hospital — confirm death & get MCCD
2) Call Swargayatraa +91-8999653202 — dispatch ambulance & coordinate
3) Notify immediate family; assign roles (docs, transport, rituals)
4) Secure Aadhaar, insurance, bank book, will (if any)
5) Preserve body: fridge / freezer box / embalming if transport needed
6) If unnatural/suspicious: call police — preserve the scene
Updated Cost Structure — Transparent Ballpark Ranges
Revised pricing to reflect current market conditions and enhanced services. These are ballpark ranges to help families plan effectively.
Basic Cremation Package
Includes ambulance transfer within city, crematorium slot booking, basic documentation & staff support — ₹12,000–₹30,000.
Full Ritual & Logistics Package
Includes experienced priest, complete samagri, transport, comprehensive documentation — ₹18,000–₹35,000.
Interstate Road Transport
Freezer ambulances with professional staff — distance-based pricing at ₹25–₹50 per km plus administrative costs.
Air Transport Services
Includes embalming, coffin, airline coordination, complete documentation — Starting from ₹25,000, varies by destination and requirements.
Critical Mistakes Families Make (Avoid These)
These common mistakes create delays, extra costs or legal complications. Read this to avoid the worst outcomes.
Do Not Move The Body in Suspicious Cases
If death is unnatural or unexpected, moving the body can compromise evidence and cause legal complications. Wait for police. Call the funeral helpline for guidance — we will liaise with authorities.
Don't Use Unverified Transport Vendors
Many families call the first vendor they find; sometimes these are unlicensed. Always verify registration and ask for an official invoice and vehicle permit. Swargayatraa uses only registered refrigerated ambulances.
Don't Delay Getting the MCCD
Without the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, municipal authorities often refuse to issue cremation/burial permits. Prioritise confirming death with a registered doctor first.
Avoid Last-Minute Cash Deals at Crematoria
Municipal crematoria can charge additional fees at death time if documentation is incomplete. Use our booking service to ensure you pay the correct fees in advance.
State & City Notes — What Changes By Location
Local municipal rules vary. Below are concise, practical notes for major cities — include as a quick reference for families and to improve local SEO relevance.
Bengaluru (Karnataka)
Key crematoria: Hebbal, Banashankari, Harishchandra Ghat. BBMP issues time slots; electric ghats have different fee structures. For intercity road transfer, GHMC permits are not required but ensure route permissions for larger distances.
Delhi NCR (Nigambodh, Lodhi Road)
Nigambodh Ghat is a municipal ghat and often busy. Police may ask for ID checks; for deaths at home in certain districts, an FIR is mandatory for unnatural deaths. Use our dedicated Delhi operations team for faster booking.
Mumbai
Chandanwadi & Oshiwara are primary crematoria. Municipal permissions and load restrictions may apply for heavy vehicular traffic; we use fast-track municipal liaison to secure times.
Hyderabad & Secunderabad
Amberpet, Bansilalpet and GHMC-managed grounds often have an online booking system. We manage GHMC integrations to secure slots quickly.
Kolkata
Nimtala & Keoratola have river ghats and municipal rules for rites by the Ganges. Our local partners handle river rituals and municipal permits.
Other Important Notes
- Religious specifics: Community customs (e.g., Marathi, Tamil, Bengali Vedic rites) often require specific samagri; mention any community-specific request early when you call.
- Out-of-state travel: Different states require different NOCs and coffin formats — we prepare paperwork proactively to avoid airport/railway delays.
What Families Across India Say
Real families, real experiences — we provide care when it matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions — Quick Answers
Short, direct answers to the most pressing questions families ask in the first hour.
Who should be called first after a death at home?
Call a registered doctor to confirm death and issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). Then call your funeral service provider for transport and documentation.
What documents are required immediately?
Aadhaar of the deceased, doctor's certificate, hospital discharge (if applicable), and any ID proving family relationship (for body release).
How long can a body be kept at home?
3–6 hours without preservation in typical Indian climates; 24–48 hours with a freezer box or refrigerated ambulance. Embalming is needed for longer preservation and long-distance transport.
Is a post-mortem always required?
No. Post-mortems are generally required for unnatural or suspicious deaths. Natural deaths with a clear medical history usually do not require post-mortem unless mandated by police.
Can cremation be arranged at night?
Yes. Some municipal crematoria and private ghats offer night slots. Prior booking and a request through the municipal office or operator is often necessary.
How do I transport a body across states?
Short distances — refrigerated ambulance. For longer interstate travel, embalming, a coffin, and airline/rail permits are usually required. We handle the entire process end-to-end.
What is the role of the police?
Police involvement is mandatory in cases of unnatural death. They will register an FIR and may order a post-mortem. For natural deaths, you usually won't need police unless there is a dispute or public health concern.
Will Swargayatraa handle paperwork for the Death Certificate?
Yes. We assist in applying for the Death Certificate at the local municipal office and provide guidance on ID documents required.
Do you arrange priests for specific regional rites?
Yes. We maintain a network of priests across regions to perform community-specific last rites and rituals.
How long does it take to get a death certificate?
Timelines vary by municipality — typically 3–14 days. In many cities, families receive a provisional certificate faster which can be used for immediate needs.
Can family members be present during post-mortem?
Procedures vary; generally immediate family may be allowed to view but not present during the autopsy. Our team can liaise with authorities to facilitate controlled viewing if permitted.
What happens if the deceased had an organ donor card?
Organ donation involves hospital protocol and written consent; the hospital will guide next steps. Inform the hospital and organ donation coordinator early.
Is embalming safe for ritual practices?
Embalming is a preservation method; many Hindu families still prefer traditional last rites. We provide options: refrigerated transport, short-term refrigeration, or embalming for long-distance transfers depending on family preference.
How are cremation costs calculated?
Costs depend on crematorium fees, transport, priest charges, samagri, and optional services (flowers, catering). We provide transparent estimates before bookings.
Do you provide grief counseling?
We offer immediate practical guidance and can connect families with grief counseling partners for ongoing support.
What documents are needed for international repatriation?
Embalming certificate, coffin certificate, Death Certificate, NOC from local authorities, consulate paperwork, and airline-specific paperwork — all coordinated by our repatriation team.
Will you coordinate with the employer if death occurred at workplace?
Yes. We can assist with documentation and liaison with the employer for necessary reports and formalities.
How soon can the funeral happen?
It can range from a few hours to 24+ hours depending on paperwork, transport, family readiness, and municipal slot availability.
Can I pay online?
Yes. We accept online payments, UPI, cards, and bank transfers. A written invoice is provided for all services.
Are there discounts for senior citizens or charitable families?
We work with families to find affordable solutions and can discuss subsidized options or NGO partnerships where applicable.
How can I leave feedback or testimonial?
You can leave feedback via our Google Business Profile or email us. We value every family's input to improve services.
About the Authors & Reviewers
This guide was written by the Swargayatraa editorial team and reviewed by Dr. Anil Kumar, Forensic Consultant, and operations leads with 10+ years' experience in funeral logistics across India. We update this guide regularly to reflect municipal changes and legal requirements.
Contact: +91-8999653202 • About Us
When You Need Us Most — We'll Be There
We provide immediate dispatch, documentation, and ritual support — 24/7 across India. One call connects you to our operations team who will guide you step-by-step so you can focus on your family.
