Hindu traditions right from Ramayan to till date cremate their dear ones, burying the dead is in some sections of the society. But the majority of Hindus cremate the dead as they believe that the body is made up of 5 elements which after cremation will mix in the pancha bhootas, Shmashana – the cremation or burial ground The cremation ground is called Shmashana (in Sanskrit), and traditionally it is located near a river, if not on the river bank itself. Those who can afford it may go to special sacred places like Kashi (Varanasi), Haridwar, Prayagraj (also known as Allahabad), Sri Rangam, Brahmaputra on the occasion of Ashokastami and Rameswaram to complete this rite of immersion of ashes into water. Some of the cremations are performed at ghats. Antyesti – the cremation The Antyesti ceremonial offerings varies across the spectrum of Hindu society. Some of the popular rituals followed in Vedic religions after the death of a human being, for his or her peace and ascent to heaven are as follows. The last rites are usually completed within a day of death. While practices vary among sects, generally, his or her body is washed, sandalwood paste and turmeric is applied on the body, wrapped in a dhoti for a man and a saree for women. The big toes are tied together with a string and a Tilak (red, yellow or white mark) is placed on the forehead. A bed is made out of bamboo sticks on which the deceased is taken to the Shamshan. The dead adult's body is carried to the cremation ground near a river or water, by family and friends, and placed on a pyre with feet facing south. The eldest son, or a male mourner, or a priest – called the lead cremator or lead mourner – then bathes himself and his hair is cut leaving only one strand of hair called shikha before leading the cremation ceremony. He circumambulates the dry wood pyre with the body, says a eulogy or recites a hymn, places sesame seeds or rice called as pind on the deceased's chest, hand and legs. He sprinkles the body and the pyre with ghee (clarified butter), then draws three lines signifying Yama (deity of the dead), Kala (time, deity of cremation) and the dead. Prior to lighting the pyre, an earthen pot is filled with water, and the lead mourner circles