How to Write an Obituary in India – Guide, Format, Samples & Templates:

Introduction:

In India, the writing of an obituary combines tradition, shortness, and esteem. This type of obituary is typically published as a classified or display advertisement in such newspapers as the Times of India.

This guide includes the obituary formats depending upon the Hindu, Muslim, Christian traditions, as well as ready examples and templates with the possibility to use them easily. It is meant to assist in low cost publishing in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore or Kolkata.

Standard Indian Format:

Indian obituaries emphasize the family first, mention such significant rituals as shradh or chautha, and provide some simple facts about the person. They celebrate relationships and remembrance in a respectful, simple manner in 50 to 150 words that is personal and real.

Section	Content Guidelines	Example Phrase
Announcement	Full name, age, date/place of death (omit cause unless public notice).	"Late Shri Ram Prasad Gupta (68) passed away on Jan 3, 2026."
Family	Surviving (spouse first, then children/grandchildren by order); predeceased noted separately.	"Beloved husband of Smt. Lakshmi Devi; father of Anil & Meera."
Life Highlights	Career, achievements, traits (keep positive, 1-2 lines).	"Retired engineer, philanthropist, loved classical music."
Rituals/Services	Date, time, venue for prayer/antim ardas/cremation.	"Shradh on Jan 7, 10 AM, Banaras Ghat, Delhi."
Contact/Closing	Phone, donation request.	"Contact: 98XXX-XXXXX. Family."

What is an Obituary?

An obituary is a official note of death of a person which is usually carried out in a newspaper, an online publisher or a funeral programme. It will give the details of the life of the person, people who will survive, and burial rituals or memorials. In addition to educating the masses, it is an honorable tribute that gives the death a dignified honour and recognition of the life the dead lived.

Contrary to a death notice, which, in its basic form, provides only the fundamental information the name, date of passing and service details, an obituary provides context. It usually consists of biographical points, personal life accomplishments, relations, interests, and occasionally a significant quote or message.

Obituaries are usually published in:

• Obituaries tend to be published in Newspapers (such as Times of India, The Hindu).
• The families can also share obituaries through online obituary portals.
• Funeral programs.

Types of Obituaries:

• A Brief obituary less than 100 words -perfect spot to fit in a tight budgeted newspaper.
• A Standard obituary of 200-400 words- provides sufficient information without being excessively long.
• Long-form obituary- 500 words or more to post memories and tributes on or memorial pages.

Note: In Indian dailies (e.g., Mumbai editions), obituary ad rates are based on word count, so maintaining clarity and conciseness is essential.

How to book Obituaries ad in Newspaper?

You need to buy an obituary ad on ObituaryAds.com: all you do is find your city / newspaper, ad type, type your message, date and pay and you are done! The site is 24/7, accommodates various newspapers in India and you get a confirmation once your ad has been booked.

To book an obituary ad on ObituaryAds.com:

Go to the site and log in.

• Choose city, newspaper, and category (death, tribute, anniversary, etc.).
• Select ad type (classified text, single column, or display).
• Write your message, pick the publication date, and confirm the price.
• Make payment and get confirmation of the booking and then monitor the ad status to the time it is posted.

To proceed, you can:

• Dial 9821984000 directly from your phone for obituary ad assistance, or
• Share what you want to ask them (rates, formats, next-day booking, etc.), and a script/message can be drafted for your call or WhatsApp.

Why Write Your Own Obituary?

Writing an obituary for yourself or a loved one allows you to tell your story or that of your loved one in a simple and heartfelt way.

Writing an obituary for yourself or a loved one offers:

• Personalization and emotional authenticity.
• Cost savings over professional obituary writing services
• A therapeutic outlet during grief
• Legal/public purposes (e.g., death notices, name changes in India)

Post-pandemic, there’s been an increase in DIY obituary writing thanks to digital services and changing attitudes.

Sample Obituaries ads:

Classified (Times of India, All-India):

"With deepest sorrow, we announce the passing of Smt. Sarla Devi (75), wife of Late Sh. Mohan Lal, mother of Rajesh (Suman) & Ritu, on Jan 4, 2026 at Mumbai. Antim Sanskar Jan 6, 11 AM, Chandanwadi Crematorium. Deeply missed. 98200XXXXX."​

Display (Hindustan Times, with Photo):

[Photo placeholder] "Late Shri Ahmed Khan (82), cherished father of Fatima & Ali, grandfather of 5, expired Jan 5, 2026. Lifelong teacher, mosque volunteer. Namaz-e-Janaza Jan 6, 3 PM, Jama Masjid, Delhi. Inna Lillahi... Family."​

Editable Templates:

Short Classified Template:

Late [Full Name] ([Age]), [relationship descriptors], passed away on [Date] at [City]. Survived by [list family]. [Ritual details: date/time/venue]. [Contact].​

Full Display Template:

[Photo] [Name], [Age], of [City], entered eternal rest on [Date]. [Brief bio: born, career, passions]. Loving [family list]. [Services]. Donations to [charity]. [Quote/Prayer].​

Publication Tips:

You can place an obituary in Times of India through their ads portal or through local agencies. The cost is usually ₹300–600 per line for classified ads. All you need to submit is the death certificate and a photo. The notice is usually published within 24–48 hours. You can choose multiple editions to reach readers across India.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing an Obituary ad in Newspaper:

Here’s how you can write a meaningful and publication-ready obituary:

Gather information:

To write a heartfelt obituary, start with a family interview checklist. It makes it easier to collect the right details—names, dates, places, achievements, and surviving family members—so the story is accurate and meaningful.

Choose tone and length:

Decide whether the obituary should be formal, poetic, spiritual, or celebratory, based on the person’s life and values. This helps make it personal and meaningful.

Draft using a sample obituary template:

You can use our sample obituary format table to maintain the accurate structure (see below).

Edit for clarity and sensitivity:

Avoid unnecessary jargons, always double-check the names, and be very sensitive to the family of the deceased and cultural sensitivities.

Submit to publication:

Learn how to send your notice or ad to the top Indian newspapers such as The Times of India, The Hindu, and trusted local dailies, with clear guidance on what to include and how to submit it smoothly. Include: Preferred dates. Proof of death (if needed) Design formats.(classified text ad format or classified display ad format)

Step	Action Items	Common Pitfalls
1. Gather Info	Birth/death dates, family list, achievements	Incomplete facts.
2. Structure	Follow standard sections	Overly lengthy.
3. Write	Use active voice, anecdotes ​	Emotional bias.
4. Review	Proofread, family approval ​	Typos in print.
5. Publish	Check rates, deadlines ​	Missing submission guidelines.

Essential Elements & Best Practices:

Key Components of a Well-Written Obituary:

An elegant obituary gently blends clear facts with warm, heartfelt memories. Whether it appears in a newspaper or on an online obituary platform, it should feel honest, respectful, and personal. These are the must-have elements:

✅ Core Components:

• Factual opener: Start with the full name, age, date of birth and death, place of birth and death of the deceased. You can add the cause of death optionally if it is publicly appropriate.
• Life highlights with stories: Mention the key achievements of the deceased with educational qualification, career, special milestones achieved(if any), hobbies—with personal anecdotes which reflect the character.
• Family listings: Mention the names of the surviving and predeceased relatives/ family members, often beginning with the name of spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings, etc.
• Service details: Give clear and correct details about the funeral, memorial, or prayer meeting—mentioning the date, time, place, and whether everyone is welcome to attend.

✅ Writing Tips for Obituaries:

• Use an active voice and keep a positive focus, writing in a way that reflects the warmth, dignity, and goodness of the life that was lived.
• Maintain cultural sensitivity, especially for Indian traditions (e.g., rituals in Hindu funerals).
• If you are publishing the obituary online, then apply SEO practices accurately for best results: Use SEO FRIENDLY keywords such as “tribute to [Name]”, “in loving memory”, or “obituary for [Relation]”. Include local identifiers (city, language, publication). Keep sentences concise for mobile readers.

Standard Obituary Outline Structure

In India most of the obituaries follow a clear, chronological structure which is ideal for maintaining both emotional clarity and newspaper formatting guidelines. Below there's a common layout for a 150–400 word obituary:

📝 Obituary Format:

• Full Name, age, passed away on 2026 in [place].
• Birth details (DOB, place), family background.
• Education and career highlights.
• Hobbies, community service, or personal values.
• Family: surviving and deceased members.
• Funeral/memorial service details.
• Special thanks, donation preferences, or closing message.

Section	Key Content	Purpose
Opening Announcement	Full name (with nickname/maiden), age, residence, date/place of death (optional cause). Example: "John Doe, 78, of Mumbai, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026." ​	Informs readers immediately.
Early Life	Birth date/place, parents/siblings, education, childhood highlights. ​	Provides background context.
Career & Achievements	Professional roles, accomplishments, military service, awards.	Honors contributions.
Personal Life	Marriage, children/grandchildren (list names), hobbies, passions, community involvement. ​	Humanizes the individual.
Survivors & Predeceased	List living family first (spouse, children, etc.), then those who passed before.	Acknowledges family.
Service Details	Funeral/memorial date, time, location; visitation info; donation requests. ​	Guides attendees.
Closing	Quote, poem, or legacy statement; funeral home contact. ​	Ends on uplifting note.

Sample Obituaries & Templates:

Below there are few examples that you can use for your newspaper obituary ads, online memorials, or funeral programs in India:

📰 Short Newspaper Obituary (Classified Text Format):

Mr. Rajesh Kumar, aged 72, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2024, in Bengaluru. Beloved husband of Sunita Kumar, father of Anil and Neha. Funeral held at Wilson Garden Crematorium. Prayers for his soul.

• 🔹 Ideal for: Times of India, Indian Express classified text ads.
• 🔹 Word count: ~40–50 words.
• 🔹 Language: English or vernacular (Kannada, Hindi, Marathi, etc.).

💬 Full Tribute Obituary (Online or Display Ad):

In Loving Memory of Mrs. Savita Deshpande (1955–2023) Savita Deshpande, a loving mother, teacher, and cherished friend, passed away on December 28, 2023, in Pune. Known for her generosity and devotion to education, she taught at St. Mary's School for over 25 years. She is survived by her son Rohan and daughter-in-law Priya. A memorial service will be held on January 5 at 5 PM at her Pune residence. Forever in our hearts.

• 🔹 Best for: online tributes, display ads with photo.
• 🔹 Word count: 100–250 words.
• 🔹 Optional: Add Hindu shloka or regional language tribute.

📄 Downloadable Obituary Template (Google Doc/Markdown):

Here’s a simple editable obituary template in text/markdown format:

[Full Name], aged [Age], passed away on [Date of Death] in [City, State]. He/She was born on [DOB] in [Place]. [Short summary of life, career, family, achievements]. He/She is survived by [list of family]. [Funeral/Memorial details: date, time, venue]. Messages of condolence can be sent via [email or phone]. "In loving memory" / [Custom closing line or quote].

👉 Click here to download the editable obituary template (Google Doc) (replace with real link)

📰 Newspaper Obituary Publication Guide (India):

1. Pricing & Booking in Major Cities:

• Mumbai: ₹900–₹1800 for 30–50 words (TOI, Loksatta, Maharashtra Times).
• Delhi NCR: ₹850–₹1600 (Hindustan Times, TOI, Navbharat Times).
• Display ads (with photo, border): ₹3000–₹7000 based on size.

2. Popular Newspapers Comparison:

Newspaper	Language	Type	Pros
Times of India	English	National	High reach, same-day booking
The Hindu	English	National	Credible, formal tone
Indian Express	English	National	Widely accepted for legal/family notices
Dainik Bhaskar	Hindi	Regional	Strong in North & Central India
Loksatta	Marathi	Regional	Preferred in Maharashtra

Obituary ads that are published in Indian newspapers, are typically published as classified text ads , classified display ads, or full display ads. The rates vary by city, size of the ad, and position of the ad in the newspaper. In India the most popular options include Times of India for its robust national reach and regional dailies for making a strong local impact. Most of the people and families use top class ad booking agencies like https://obituryads.com/ for gaining discounts, not only that https://obituryads.com/ offers multi-edition bookings at one shot across cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi and many more.

Key Newspapers Comparison:

It is more appropriate to target major English and Hindi publications to place obituary ads; the rates are approximated at 2026 (it is better to check them through the official booking platforms because rates may change occasionally).

Newspaper	Cities Covered	Classified (5 lines/cm)	Display (Base)	Front Page Premium
Times of India	Delhi (₹350-500), Mumbai (₹340), Bangalore (₹300+)	₹1,750-2,500	₹1,070-1,400/sq cm	Delhi ₹6,335+; Mumbai ₹9,665+
Hindustan Times	Delhi/NCR	₹300-500/line	₹4,000+ sq cm	1.5-2x base
The Hindu	Bangalore/Chennai	₹250-400	₹1,000+	₹5,000+
Deccan Herald	Bangalore	₹200-300	₹800+	₹3,000+
Mumbai Samachar (Gujarati)	Mumbai	₹250 (B&W 4x5)	₹300 (color)	N/A ​

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• What documents do I need to publish an obituary ad in Indian newspapers?
  To place an obituary advertisement in an Indian newspaper, you will require a death certificate or a hospital statement. All information of the dead person (including full name, age, date and place of death) and only funeral or prayer meeting arrangements. In case you are interested in publishing a display obituary ad, there might be a need to provide a high-resolution photo of the deceased as well. To avoid abuse of death notices, top newspapers of India like The Times of India or Hindustan Times may confirm submission by ID of a family member to ascertain the correctness of the purpose.
• How much does an obituary cost in India?
  Publishing obituary advertisements in India is based on some key issues. The price usually varies according to the preferred newspaper, desired city, target edition and preferred format of advert. Classified obituary advertisements typically begin at 300-600 per line, or 5 lines of short obituary in the newspapers can range between 1500 and 3000 in major cities such as Delhi or Mumbai. Display obituary advertisements typically begin at 1,000 per square centimetre. Display obituary advertisements like those placed on the front or back page of a newspaper are normally more expensive to use. Note that the rates are subject to change based on the edition you want, so be sure to check the current rate before placing your obituary ad.
• Can I publish an obituary in regional languages?
  Yes you can. Most of the larger newspapers in India permit publication of obituaries in local languages. Publishment of hindi obituaries, Marathi obituaries, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali and other regional language obituary notices may be done depending on the newspaper and your desired city. This also comes in handy in terms of religious and cultural alignment. Advertising agencies such as Riyo Advertising and newspaper portal help to format the multilingual obituaries so as to make them accurate and to meet the necessary level of publication standards.
• How do I submit an obituary to the Times of India?
  It is very simple. To place an obituary ad in Times of India, you will only need to visit the official booking portal where you will complete the obituary ad form by providing the required details, such as the text of the obituary, the photo of the dead (when it is a display ad), the preferred city edition, and the desired date of publication. You can make payments online. Or you may send your obituary to one of the approved advertisement agencies such as Riyo Advertising. It is highly beneficial to the people who completely have no idea about the format of newspaper obituary. Usually, deadlines are 24 to 48 hours prior to publication.
• Can I choose the publication date and page for my obituary ad?
  Yes you are able to select the date and page you want in obituary ad. When placing an obituary ad in India, it is very easy to choose the desired date of publication, city and edition like the Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru, Kolkata and lots more. Certain newspapers also give you the option of premium placement such as front or back page but these types of placements are highly expensive yet immeasurably effective and noticeable. though these are much more expensive. Same-day obituary printing could be offered to classified obituarys in case of urgent requirements; it is also subject to newspaper approval.
• Should I include the cause of death in an obituary?
  It is at the discretion of the family. It is a free decision to include the cause of death in an obituary ad. In our nation, most Indian families do not want to mention the reason of death so as not to create a loss of dignity and privacy. They never wish to get off track about some tribute to the dead, family information and rituals. The cause of death is not included publically other than by the request of the family.
• How can I customize my obituary ad?
  An obituary ad can be customized by adding photographs of the deceased, or by adding borders, quotations of great people, prayers, words like in loving memory etc. During remember, special layouts and color advertisements can be used in some newspapers. It is possible to use personal touches, too, career success, social work, or religious quotes can be also added. Ensure that the content remains within approved obituary format and word limit.
• What if I want to publish an obituary in multiple cities?
  In case you require multiple city obituary placement you can book combined deals that will include editions like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai. These bundles usually have 20-30% discount when compared to single reservations. It is the best alternative to the families who have relatives in different parts of India and the death notice will be seen by many. The whole process is handled exceptionally well by the topmost Advertising agencies such as the Riyo Advertising, they coordinate, carry out proofs and schedule release of the multi-city advertisements.