Funeral homes, shopping suggestions, administrative tasks, and India transportation resources

Companion to “Conducting a Kodava Funeral in North America” • Last reviewed August 17, 2026

1. Administrative Tasks After a Death

These are general administrative tasks, not Kodava rituals. When possible, ask a trusted friend or relative to handle logistics so the immediate family can focus on the funeral and mourning.

·  Contact a licensed funeral home: Arrange transfer, viewing, cremation/burial, and permits. If India repatriation is possible, ask about international human-remains experience.

·  Prepare clothing and photograph: Provide the chosen clothing and a recent photograph. Keep the Peeche Kathi, jewelry, and other valuables with the family until the viewing, and remove them before cremation.

·  Death certificates: Order several certified copies. Ask each bank, insurer, employer, government agency, and investment provider whether it requires an original.

·  Employer and insurance: Notify the employer and insurers when appropriate; benefits may include life insurance or survivor benefits.

·  Financial institutions: These notifications can usually wait until immediate funeral arrangements are complete. Requirements vary by institution.

Information the funeral home may ask for

Exact requirements vary by jurisdiction. Commonly requested information includes:

·  Social Security Number (SSN)

·  Date and place of birth

·  Father’s full name and place of birth

·  Mother’s full maiden name and place of birth

·  DD-214, if applicable

·  Advance directive, if applicable

·  Preferred funeral/cremation date and family contact

2. Funeral Homes and Service Providers

The names below were carried forward from the Kodava Koota working draft as possible resources. Inclusion is not an endorsement, and Kodava Koota has not independently verified current licensing, pricing, service areas, or repatriation capability. Families should obtain current information and compare providers before making commitments.

3. Shopping and Ritual Supplies

Product links and availability change frequently. The simplest approach is to use generic item descriptions and purchase from a trusted Indian grocery, temple store, local retailer, or online seller. The examples below were in the committee draft and should be rechecked before publishing on the website.

·  White clothing: White kurta pajama for men; white/off-white saree or salwar kameez for women; white veshti/panche where preferred.

·  Nippu Thuni: A plain white cloth approximately the size of a medium towel or angavastram.

·  Vibhuti / Pod: Sacred ash. Do not substitute Namakatti for Vibhuti.

·  Holy water: Kaveri Thirtha if available; Ganga Jal or regular water may be used as described in the ritual guide.

·  Clay pot: Traditional earthen pot; a simple clay handi or similar breakable earthen vessel can be used where permitted.

·  Tulsi: Fresh Tulsi (holy basil) leaves; ordinary fresh basil may be used only if the family considers that acceptable.

·  Coconut and coconut shell: Whole coconut for the procession and a coconut shell for thenge thiri.

·  Battery tea light: Useful only where open flames are prohibited; remove the plastic light before cremation.

Example online sources from the working draft

·  Isha Life — Women’s Organic Cotton Sadhana Kurta, White

·  Isha Life — Men’s Organic Cotton Sadhana Kurta, White

·  Giri USA — Veshti

·  Isha Life — Vibhuti

·  Giri USA — Vibhuti Collection

·  Giri USA — Gangotri Gangajal

4. Scattering Ashes in North America

There is no single “North American permit” rule. Requirements depend on the jurisdiction and the specific place where ashes will be scattered. Before scattering ashes in an ocean, river, lake, park, or on public or private property, check the rules of the relevant state/province, municipality, park authority, environmental agency, landowner, or water authority.

The crematorium or funeral home may be able to explain common local options, but the family should still confirm the rule that applies to the selected location.

5. Taking Ashes or Mortal Remains to India

Start with the correct Indian Embassy or Consulate

The United States is divided among the Embassy of India in Washington, D.C. and the Consulates General in New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, and Atlanta. Jurisdiction is based on the applicant’s/deceased person’s U.S. location. The official consulate page should be treated as the controlling source.

Embassy of India, Washington, D.C. — Consular Services

Example: current San Francisco procedure (reviewed August 17, 2026)

The Consulate General of India, San Francisco currently provides a specific “Death Documents Attestation — Transportation of Ashes/Mortal Remains to India” process through the Government of India eSEWA platform. The required documents and fees differ for Indian passport holders, U.S. passport holders with OCI, and other U.S. passport holders. For mortal remains, the published checklist includes a non-communicable disease certificate, embalming certificate, and transit permit. Families should use the checklist for their exact category.

CGI San Francisco — Death Documents / Ashes / Mortal Remains

Government of India eSEWA

As of the review date, the San Francisco site also states that death-document emergencies may be handled directly with the Consulate and publishes its own current emergency contact. Because the website has changed recently, always use the official page rather than copying a phone number permanently into a printed guide.

If transporting ashes

Typical documentation may include the death certificate, cremation certificate, the deceased person’s passport/OCI information, and identification/proof of address for the relative or informant. The exact certificate/NOC and fee depend on citizenship and consular jurisdiction. The airline may also have its own packaging and carry-on/checked-baggage rules.

If transporting the body

Use a licensed funeral home experienced in international repatriation. Typical requirements may include the death certificate, embalming certificate, non-communicable disease certificate, transit/burial permit, passport cancellation or related consular formalities, and airline cargo documentation. Packaging and airline rules are specialized; the funeral home should coordinate directly with the airline and the appropriate Indian Consulate.

If the death resulted from an accident or another circumstance requiring investigation, additional police, medical-examiner, coroner, or autopsy documentation may be required. The funeral home and Consulate should confirm what applies in the specific case.

6. Coordinating Support for the Family

In the days following a loss, friends and community members often want to help, but coordinating meals and other assistance can become another task for the grieving family. The following online services can help organize meals, errands, transportation, and other practical support, allowing friends and community members to coordinate their help without placing that burden on the family.

SupportNow — A broader support platform that can help friends and family coordinate meals, volunteer help, errands, updates, gift cards, and financial contributions for a grieving family. SupportNow

Give InKind — An all-in-one care calendar for organizing meals, rides, childcare, household help, gift cards, wish lists, and other practical support from family and friends. Give InKind

Lotsa Helping Hands — A community care calendar that helps coordinate meals, transportation, errands, and other assistance among relatives, friends, and volunteers. Lotsa Helping Hands

Take Them A Meal — A simple service focused primarily on creating and sharing a meal schedule, including delivery dates, food preferences, allergies, and reminders for those providing meals. Take Them A Meal