Coffin Makers in the Benelux & Surinamese Hindu Funeral Traditions

A kistenmaker (coffin maker) is a craftsperson who handcrafts or custom-builds wooden coffins. While most funeral directors source coffins from wholesalers, artisan coffin makers still operate in the Netherlands and Belgium — especially in demand for personalised, high-quality or culturally specific coffins. These same coffins play a central role in Hindoestaanse uitvaart (Surinamese Hindu funerals), the dominant funeral tradition of the Surinamese community in the Netherlands.

The Surinamese Hindu funeral in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has a large Surinamese Hindu (Hindoestaanse) community of 200,000–250,000 people, concentrated in The Hague, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Key funeral practices include:

• Cremation is the religious norm — fire releases the soul for reincarnation
• The body is washed and dressed by family at home; a pandit (Hindu priest) leads prayers and mantras
• Coffins must be metal-free (no screws or fittings) — metal is taboo in Hindu cremation
• Ashes are scattered on a river or the North Sea in a ritual ceremony
• A 13-day mourning period (tehrahi) concludes with a large community gathering

Coffin specifications for Hindu cremation

For a Hindu cremation, coffins must be metal-free, made from biodegradable wood (required by Dutch law), lined with white fabric and free of chemical lacquers. Standard biodegradable coffins cost €300–€600; custom versions €1,500–€5,000. Funeral directors specialising in Surinamese Hindu funerals can source or commission appropriate coffins.

Costs of a Surinamese Hindu funeral in the Netherlands

A complete Hindoestaanse uitvaart costs €5,000–€9,000 including the funeral director and cremation. Additional costs: pandit (€300–€800), ash scattering (€200–€600), and the tehrahi reception (€500–€2,000). Funeral insurance policies should be checked to confirm they cover Hindu-specific requirements.