In Singapore, a funeral niche is one of the most popular ways to store your loved ones ashes. It’s a practicing tradition for many families, as it holds strong cultural value. Burial spaces are also increasingly scarce in Singapore, prompting most people to opt for funeral niches.
Here’s everything you need to know about a funeral niche and how much it cost in Singapore:
What Exactly Is a Funeral Niche?
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A funeral niche is a small space, often found in a columbarium. It is designed to store the urn containing the cremated ashes of a loved one. In Singapore, this method is widely chosen over traditional burial, partly due to culture and also limited cemetery land.
These niches allow families to honour their loved ones with memorial services, grave markers, digital obituaries and even virtual memories. It ensures their memories are kept alive whether through a physical headstone or a modern online tribute page.
Types of Funeral Niche
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Generally, there are two types of funeral niches in Singapore:
- Government-Managed Columbaria: A government-managed columbaria is operated by the National Environment Agency (NEA). These niches are more affordable and accessible to the public.
Members of the public have the choice to choose between the Choa Chu Kang Columbarium and Mandai Columbarium. For a more traditional setting, they are welcomed to visit the Yishun Columbarium too.
- Private Columbaria: On the other hand, a private columbaria is typically more expensive. These niches can go up to the hundred of thousands depending on their size!
Private columbarias are usually managed by independent groups and religious organisations. Private niches allow for more customisation and personalisation, such as decorations and engraved plaques.
There are also over 60 private columbarias around Singapore, giving families more options to choose from. Based on Chinese belief, some columbarians are designed with eight to nine levels.
These levels or pillars, signify different luck and fortune positon:
- Filial Level (1st to 2nd): Family members have to kneel and worship.
- Wealth Level (3rd to 4th): Family members can take a sitting position while praying.
- Eye Level (5th): As the most popular level, family members can easily pay their respect while standing.
- Guarding Level (6th to 7th): The deceased are in a position where they can always look out for the family.
- Respect Level (8th to 9th): The final level symbolises high morality.
How Much Does a Funeral Niche Actually Cost?
Prices vary from one funeral service provider to another. Nonetheless, there are general prices you can expect when choosing a government or private columbaria. A government-managed venue can cost $500 and $900 for standard and family niches respectively.
Additional requests, like selecting funeral niche slots, will have an extra charge of $250. Private columbarians are tricky to estimate, but most niches range between $2,000 to $200,000. This also depends on the size and location of the niche.
Factors That Determine the Price of a Funeral Niche
- Facilities: Families can opt for basic niches with standard fittings or go for more premium ones. The more premium and modern the setup, the higher the cost of the niche. These amenities may include private prayer rooms, garden spaces and halls.
- Location: Just like choosing a property, location matters. Niches at eye level are often priced higher for accessibility and ease of visiting. On the other hand, higher or lower tiers tend to be more affordable.
- Size: A standard niche typically fits one urn, while a family niche can store multiple urns. The bigger the niche, the more you’ll pay. Family niches offer more space for decorative items like photos, memorial tablets and offerings.
- Religion and Feng Shui: In Singapore, some families prioritise auspicious slots based on feng shui principles. Niche orientation, direction and placement may all influence the price, especially during periods like Qing Ming or the Hungry Ghost Festival.
- Maintenance Services: Some columbaria offer annual maintenance packages. This includes cleaning, floral arrangements, and incense offerings. These services are often charged as an additional fee or bundled into premium niche prices.
Visiting and Maintaining a Funeral Niche
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Whether public or private, families can visit and maintain a funeral niche. Remember to follow the designated hours, especially on dates like the Qing Ming Festival, Hungry Ghost Festival, and death anniversaries.
Offerings such as joss sticks, paper effigies and flowers can be placed at designated areas. Most funeral niches have caretakers to maintain them. However, families can also do their part by tidying up the space, ensuring it remains tidy and respectful.
Conclusion
Remembering a loved one through their memories and legacy is one of the greatest ways to honour a life. A funeral niche serves as a space where families can not only reminisce on the good times, but also come together and pay their respects.
So don’t hesitate to get in touch with professional funeral service providers, we can help you find the perfect one.
Contact us to find out more!
