What is Asthi Visarjan and why is it essential in Hindu tradition?

Asthi Visarjan is the sacred Hindu ritual of immersing the bone fragments (asthi) and ashes of a cremated relative into a holy river — ideally the Ganga. It is the final step of the funeral rites (Antyeshti) and is considered essential for the departed soul’s liberation (moksha). According to the Garuda Purana (Preta Khanda 15.30-31), immersing remains in the Ganga within 10 days of death grants the deceased the exact same merit as dying directly on the banks of the Ganga. The ritual symbolises the return of the five elements — the body’s earth, water, fire, air, and ether — back to the cosmic Self, and frees the soul from its final attachment to the material form.