Losing a loved one is already a very challenging period, and you don't need to add to the stress by having to break the news to a loved one. Millions of families rely on Times of India Obituary Ads to share news and honor memories, yet booking one can feel overwhelming without clear guidance.
This guide simplifies the entire process. You will learn how to choose the right format, identify the necessary death notice documentation, write a respectful message, and complete your payment—all without confusing jargon. Here is everything you need to place a TOI death advertisement quickly, easily, and with dignity.
What to Include in a Newspaper Death Notice
It's important to know the fundamentals before checking out a sample. These are the 5 elements of a successful ad:
- Full Name: Use their real name and their nickname.
- Dates: List the date of birth and the date they passed away.
- Family Names: List the spouse, children, and grandchildren.
- Ceremony Details: Give the time and place for the funeral or prayer meet.
- Contact Info: Give a phone number for friends who need more details.
Ready-to-Use Obituary Advertisement Examples
1. Simple Text-Based Obituary Ad
This is the basic format for a simple text based obituary. A brief and concise notification is best.
[Name of Deceased] (Age: [Age])
Left for heaven on [Date].
Deeply missed by [Spouse's Name], [Children's Names], and the [Surname] family.
Funeral on [Date] at [Time] at [Location].
"Your love will always guide us."
2. Prayer Meeting Notice Newspaper Sample
Often, families will publish this a couple of days after the death of a loved one.
PRAYER MEETING
In loving memory of [Name], who passed away on [Date].
A prayer meeting (Besa/Chautha) will be held on [Date].
Time: [Time] to [Time] at [Venue Address].
Remembered by [Family Names].
3. 13th Day Notice Sample (Uthala/Tehravin)
Use this sample for traditional ceremonies:
13th DAY CEREMONY
With heavy hearts, we invite you to the rituals of our beloved [Name].
Date: [Date] | Time: [Time]
Venue: [Address]
In grief: [List of Relatives].
"A legacy of kindness that never fades."
How to Write an Obituary Ad for Times of India: Professional Tips
Here are some tips to remember when writing a death notice. They assist you in creating an honest and respectful ad:
- Check the Deadline: If you would like to see the ad in the Times of India today? It is a must to book ahead of 1:00 PM on the day before.
- Use a Photo: A picture is helpful for the friends to identify the notice immediately.
- Double-Check Details: confirm venue and time are 100% accurate. Please double check these before paying.
Final Thoughts
These templates are provided as guides only. Replace them for your family. As a lawyer and a journalist, what you write is not as significant as what you actually do. It is a last act of love to publish an obituary. It's a celebration of life that did make a difference.
What to Write in a Newspaper Death Notice: The Essential Elements
Before you read any obituary examples, it is important to know what elements should be included in a notice. These are the ingredients of block constructions. All of them could be used for a large ad or just the primary ones for a short text ad.
- Full Name and Identity: Begin with the person's everyday name. Then, add their formal name. Many families add a nickname in quotes in the Times of India obituary column. For instance, Ramesh 'Ramu' Krishnamurthy. This will enable the old friends to spot them instantly.
- Lifespan (Date of Birth and Passing): This exhibits the person's life span at a single look. You don't have to say an age if you don't want to but you can just the dates. It is still very respectful.
- Relationship Identifiers: Who was this person to your family? You can say "Beloved husband of Sunita" or "Loving father of Priya." This provides readers with the proper context. These phrases are commonly used in ads by most Indian families.
- Surviving Family Members: List the immediate family. This comprises spouse, children and siblings. Keep it short if you have a large family. You can write: "Survived by his wife, three children and seven grandchildren."
- Residence or Hometown: This is very important for a newspaper death notice. Neighbors or co-workers can locate the news by saying the name of the city or neighborhood. It links people to the community.
- Service Details (Prayer Meeting or Funeral): This is the most crucial portion of the ad (Prayer Meeting or Funeral). Use a clear statement to describe date, time and place. This is necessary for people to pay their respects. Confirm the venue address – double check that it is 100% accurate.
- Post-Funeral Ceremonies: There may need to be a 13th day notice (Uthala or Besa). This can be included in the same advertisement and thus can save money. Or, have a different notice for a later date.
- Verses and Optional Elements: Instead of flowers, you can end with a short verse or asking for donations. These small things make a difference in a newspaper's presentation of a tribute.
Short and Simple Obituary Advertisement Examples
Mere conciseness is a practical (and artistic) art in classified ads: they are paid for per line. The shortest obituary ads are also ones that have the most impact. Consider using some of these examples in your tribute.
Example 1 — Simple and Dignified
SHAH, RAMESH CHANDULAL (73) beloved husband of Sunita, loving father of Priya, Amit and Kavita, dear grandfather of five, passed away peacefully on 4th May 2026 at Mumbai. Funeral: Worli Crematorium, 5th May, 11am. We will miss you always.
Example 2 — Faith-Centered
WITH THE LORD — THOMAS, ELEANOR MARY (81), beloved wife of the late George Thomas, devoted mother of Samuel, Ruth and David. Called home on 3rd May 2026. Funeral service: St. Andrew's Church, Bandra, 5th May at 10am. "I am the resurrection and the life." — John 11:25
Example 3 — Brief Notice with Prayer Meeting
MEHTA, SURESH KANTILAL, age 66, passed away on 2nd May 2026. Beloved husband, father, and friend to many. Prayer meeting: Saturday 9th May, 5pm, at the family residence, Juhu. No flowers please. Donations to HelpAge India welcome.
Example 4 — For a Young Person
PILLAI, ANANYA SURESH (28), cherished daughter of Suresh and Latha Pillai, beloved sister of Kiran. Taken from us too soon on 1st May 2026. Prayer meeting: 6th May, 4pm, Holy Family Church Hall, Andheri. Forever in our hearts.
Example 5 — Minimalist
GUPTA, ANIL KUMAR (71), passed away 3rd May 2026. Funeral: 4th May, Nigambodh Ghat, Delhi, 9am. Deeply missed by his family.
Creative and Visual Obituary Ads in Newspaper
Choosing a Display Obituary Ad provides the creative freedom to go beyond simple text. By incorporating photos, custom borders, and unique design elements, you can create a visual tribute that truly reflects the life, legacy, and personality of your loved one.
Example 1 — Display Obituary with Photo (Narrative Style)
In Loving Memory
COLONEL (RET.) VIKRAM SINGH RATHORE
15th August 1943 — 30th April 2026
He was a soldier, a father, and a man of great integrity. Colonel Rathore served the Indian Army for 32 years. In retirement, he mentored young officers and loved tending to his Pune garden.
He leaves behind his wife, Kamala, and his son, Major Arjun Rathore. He will be deeply missed by his daughter-in-law and his two grandchildren.
Prayer meeting: Saturday, 9th May 2026, 4:00 PM
Address: Rathore Residence, Koregaon Park, Pune — 411 001
"Duty, Honour, Country — he lived every word."
Example 2 — Display Obituary with Photo (Warm, Personal Style)
FAREWELL, AMMA KAMAKSHI VENKATARAMAN
Born: 12th March 1938 | Passed: 2nd May 2026
She made the best rasam in Chennai. She always remembered every birthday. You could never leave her house without eating first. For 88 years, she was the heart of the family. The silence she leaves behind is very deep.
She was the beloved wife of the late Shri R. Venkataraman. She was an adored mother and a cherished grandmother.
Funeral service: 4th May 2026, 10:00 AM | Location: Besant Nagar, Chennai
"She is not gone — she is just everywhere at once."
Example 3 — Display Ad for a Community Figure
DR. FARIDA HUSSAIN KHAN (1955–2026)
Physician. Teacher. Changemaker.
For 35 years, Dr. Farida Khan served the people of Dharavi. She treated thousands of people with kindness. Her free Sunday clinic ran for over twenty years without a break.
She leaves behind her husband, Dr. Imran Khan, and her children, Zara and Osman. Mumbai is a healthier city because of her life and work.
Namaz-e-Janaza: 5th May 2026, 3:00 PM | Location: Minara Masjid, Mumbai
Prayer Meeting and 13th Day Notice Samples
Most families do not use the first death notice to book prayer meetings and/or their 13th day ads. They are available to be booked at the same time as the obituary. Or, you can place them just a few days before the ceremony.
Prayer Meeting Notice — Simple Text Format
PRAYER MEETING: The family of the late MRS. INDIRA GOPAL NAIR (79) invites friends and well-wishers to a prayer service on Sunday, 10th May 2026, at 5:00 PM. Venue: St. Xavier's Hall, Malad West, Mumbai. Your presence will be a comfort.
13th Day Ceremony Notice
TEHRAVIN: The family of the late SHRI RAJESH KUMAR MALHOTRA (67) respectfully invites all relatives and friends to the Tehravin ceremony on Monday, 18th May 2026, at 11:00 AM. Venue: D-204 Sector 15, Noida. Kindly attend and bless the departed soul.
Barsi (First Death Anniversary) Notice
IN REMEMBRANCE: It has been one year since we lost our beloved SHRIMATI SAVITRI DEVI SHARMA (74). We invite family and friends to join us for a Barsi prayer on 5th May 2026, at 10:00 AM at the family home, Civil Lines, Jaipur. Her memory remains our blessing.
Combined Obituary and Prayer Meeting (Single Ad)
SHETTY, PRAKASH VITTAL (62), beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away on 3rd May 2026 after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife Meena, children Rohan and Pooja, and four grandchildren. Funeral: 4th May, Sacred Heart Church, Mangalore, 10am. Prayer meeting: 10th May, 5pm, at the family residence, Bandra, Mumbai. All who knew him are warmly welcome.
Verses and Quotes to Include in a Times of India Obituary
Adding a meaningful quote or religious verse to a Times of India Obituary provides comfort and honors the spirit of the deceased. Because TOI reaches a diverse audience, choosing a verse that resonates with your family's values can make the tribute more impactful.
Here are a few thoughtful options to consider for your death announcement:
- For Christian families:
- "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me shall never die." — John 11:25
- "In my Father's house are many rooms." — John 14:2
- "Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23
- For Hindu families:
- "The soul is never born nor dies at any time." — Bhagavad Gita 2:20
- "Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti" — a peaceful, universally recognized closing
- "He has merged with the divine light from which we all come."
- For Muslim families:
- "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un" — "Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return." (Quran 2:156)
- "May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus."
- For Sikh families:
- "Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh"
- "He has gone to merge with the Eternal."
- Non-religious or universal:
- "Not gone from memory, not gone from love, but gone to the Father's home above."
- "Those we love don't go away — they walk beside us every day."
- "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal."
- "She didn't leave the world — she simply left the room."
Conclusion: A Message That Honours Their Legacy
Students will use the end of this unit to create a concluding message that celebrates the legacy of the First Nations and their values.
Grief is not a set time period. There is no phrase that can ever express a person's life. Each ad is merely a little picture of a cherished person. It can't reveal all the laughs and habits. But an obituary is important. It tells the world that this person was loved. It accesses old friends and co-workers who need to be respected. The Times of India obituary sections are still scoured for updates about the lives of people who were loved.
Finalizing Your Tribute
Utilise the examples as a springboard. Don't be hindered by them.
- For Short Notices: Use our simple text examples for quick wording.
- For Rituals: Adapt our templates for prayer meetings or 13th-day rites.
- The personal touch: Include a fact only your family would know. Have a special nickname. Choose a verse that was a favorite of theirs. The best ads have a subtitle that is the signature of a real human being, a unique individual.
Need Professional Guidance?
Not sure how to write a death notice? Do you need to know the proper format for TOI edition? We're here to assist you.
We at Riyo Advertising assist you with wordings and format. There are also same day bookings for next day available. We will take care to show you each step.
Contact Our Support Team:
📞 Call or WhatsApp: +91 9821984000
📍 Location: Ghatkopar West, Mumbai
🌐 Visit Us:
riyoadvertising.com
Whether you need a simple obituary advertisement sample India or a full-page tribute, we ensure your message reaches the right people at the right time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Obituary Advertisements
- Q1. What should be the first line of an obituary advertisement?
The first line should begin with the full name of the person, in capital letters. Include their age or date immediately following their name. This makes it easier for friends and family to identify the notice. Rajesh Kumar S. (67) of SHARMA passed away on 3rd May 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
- Q2. Can I use a poem in the obituary ad in newspaper?
Yes. It's a nice touch to have a short verse or quote. It is effective for text ads as well as display ads. Limit to 2-4 lines to reduce expenses. Avoid copyright problem by using famous or traditional verses.
- Q3. Are there obituary advertisement examples for religious services?
Yes. Samples of Hindu, Christian, Muslim and Sikh ceremonies are included with our guide. The format for all the religions is the same. The only things that need to be changed are the ceremony name, time and religious phrases.
- Q4. How do I list surviving family members?
Begin with the husband or wife. Afterwards, write children from oldest to youngest. Then, list siblings and grandchildren. If you are a large family, you can simply write "survived by his wife, four children and nine grandchildren." This saves space. If a spouse has died before then use the term late.
- Q5. Should I include the cause of death?
This is a personal decision. You don't have to refer to it, there's no law of the land. Common examples of phrases that are often used by many families include "passed away peacefully" and "after a long battle." Unless you want to raise awareness, you don't have to mention the illness.
- Q6. Can I write the obituary ad in a regional language for TOI?
Yes. The Times of India is in English, but other newspapers accept regional languages. For Hindi, use Navbharat Times or for Telugu use Eenadu. At Riyo Advertising, we have the expertise to select the most appropriate paper for your language.
- Q7. What is the word limit for a text obituary ad?
The line charge is most common, there's no strict limit. The majority of ads are 6-10 lines long. Typically, this will be fifty to ninety words. Our examples have been designed to fit this size.
- Q8. How do I mention "No flowers please" in the ad?
Simply add it right at the end. Alternatively, you might use, "Please donate to [Charity Name]." This is a common practice and does not require too much space.
- Q9. Can I view the Times of India obituary column today for inspiration?
Yes. The TOI e-paper is available online. See how the ads are written and understand the tone and style. If you ask us we can also send you samples according to your budget.
- Q10. Is it better to use a recent photo or an old one?
Both are fine. Choose a picture in which the person is happy. For the professional, a formal photo is good. For a family-oriented tribute, you're better off with a candid photo. Just ensure that the image is of good quality that will reproduce well in print.
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