international death doula foundation

Dear Fellows,

The International Death Doula Foundation is pleased to announce an upcoming hands-on training session at Kosish for the advanced cohort of Farishtey—our culturally grounded program designed in alignment with Indian values, traditions, and community needs.

We would be delighted to have you join us.

To participate, please join the newly created WhatsApp group. This space will help us gauge interest, share updates, and support your learning journey about death, dying, and the essential role of Farishtay in end-of-life care.

Once we have a sufficient number of interested participants, we will share tentative session dates so you can plan your travel at your convenience.

Come, learn, and take the next step toward becoming a Certified Death Doula.

Warm regards,

Team International Death Doula Foundation

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Death is the one experience every human being shares, yet it remains the least spoken about. In most cultures, especially in India, conversations about dying are often wrapped in silence, fear, or avoidance. But death, in its essence, is not the enemy—it is the final rite of passage, as profound and meaningful as birth.

As society evolves, so does our understanding of what compassionate care truly means. Today, as more people seek dignity, emotional support, and spiritual grounding during life’s final moments, a new role is emerging into the light: the Death Doula.

The International Death Doula Foundation (IDDF)—India’s first registered and culturally rooted death doula society—has been at the forefront of bringing this much-needed service to communities. And now, with deep reverence and excitement, IDDF presents “Farishtey”, coming soon to Delhi.

Death: A Natural Yet Neglected Conversation

For centuries, Indian culture has held nuanced, spiritual understandings of death—its rituals, its symbolism, and its continuity beyond physical existence. Yet modern life has distanced many of us from these traditions. Death often happens in hospitals, behind closed doors, surrounded by machines rather than people. Families feel unprepared, overwhelmed, or isolated.

But death is not merely a medical moment.
It is emotional, relational, psychological, and deeply spiritual.

Talking about death does not hasten it;
it humanizes it.

Acknowledging death allows us to:

• find meaning in life,
• mend relationships,
• prepare with clarity and love,
• and ultimately experience peace.

Who Is a Death Doula?

A Death Doula—also known as an end-of-life companion—is a trained individual who supports the dying person and their loved ones through the final chapter of life. Just like a birth doula supports the beginning of life, a death doula supports its closing.

They are not medical professionals.
They are emotional anchors.

Their work is grounded in presence, compassion, education, and holding space.

What Does a Death Doula Do?

A death doula may assist with:

🌿 Emotional Support

Helping the dying person express fears, hopes, regrets, and wishes without judgment.

🌿 Practical Guidance

Assisting families in understanding what to expect, planning the environment, or creating rituals.

🌿 Spiritual Comfort

Honoring the person’s beliefs—whether religious, cultural, or personal—and facilitating meaningful practices.

🌿 Vigil Keeping

Offering companionship so no one has to die alone, unless they wish to.

🌿 Legacy Work

Helping capture memories, messages, letters, or stories for loved ones.

🌿 Family Support

Guiding loved ones through anticipatory grief and early bereavement.

A death doula does not take away the pain of loss—but they help ensure that the experience is gentler, more human, and filled with dignity.

Why India Needs Death Doulas Today

In India, death has always been sacred. Our scriptures, rituals, and philosophies have honored it deeply. But modern life has created emotional distance from traditional wisdom. Grief often goes unsupported. Families feel unprepared. Elderly people feel unseen.

A death doula serves as a bridge—connecting ancient compassion with contemporary needs.

IDDF’s work is not just service;
it is a revival of something inherently Indian:
the art of compassionate companionship at the threshold of life and death.

Presenting “Farishtey”: A Journey Into the Heart of Life’s Final Chapter

The International Death Doula Foundation proudly presents Farishtey, a program designed for those who feel called to serve the dying, support families, or deepen their understanding of mortality.

Whether you are a caregiver, therapist, spiritual practitioner, medical professional, or simply someone who feels a pull toward this sacred work—Farishtey is a transformative journey.

Why “Farishtey”?

Because we believe those who walk with the dying are nothing short of angels in human form.

Limited to just 20 participants

to ensure depth, intimacy, and personal attention.

A Gentle Invitation

If your heart feels drawn to conversations about death, grief, spiritual transition, or compassionate service…
If you’ve ever wondered how to help someone die with dignity and peace…
If you want to be of service in a way that transforms both you and the world around you…

Then Farishtey in Delhi may be your calling.

Death is not the end.
Sometimes, it is the beginning of the most profound understanding of life itself.

The International Death Doula Foundation warmly invites members of the public to enrol in a One Day Death Doula Training, a unique and meaningful learning experience focused on compassionate end of life care.

This training is designed for individuals who wish to understand death with awareness, dignity, and humanity, and who feel called to support others during life’s final transition.

Speaker:  Dr. Abhijit Dam

A renowned and respected personality, Dr. Abhijit Dam brings deep insight and compassion to conversations around death, dying, and conscious living. His presence and guidance make this training both inspiring and transformative.

Learning outcomes:

• What is a Death Doula and their role in end of life care

• Emotional, psychological, and human support during dying

• Culturally appropriate and compassionate approaches to death

• Supporting individuals and families with dignity and presence

• Understanding death beyond fear, with awareness and acceptance

 Who Can Attend

• Healthcare professionals

• Counselors, caregivers, and social workers

• Spiritual seekers and volunteers

• Anyone interested in end of life care and conscious living

• No prior experience required

Location:  C. R. Park, New Delhi

Duration:  One Day Training

This program offers a rare opportunity to explore death not as an end, but as a deeply human experience that deserves care, respect, and compassion.

Enrol now and be part of a growing movement to bring dignity, awareness, and humanity to the end of life.

For registration, please fill in the Google Form:  https://forms.gle/yVi7n9TPwvY1se7x9

A death doula is a compassionate companion for people who are facing death—or those who are preparing to live with loss.

In simple terms, a death doula is someone who stands by your side during one of the hardest times of life. When your thoughts feel overwhelming, when the future feels unforgiving, and when you are frightened about leaving your loved ones behind—or about living without them—this person is there with you.

They hold your hand emotionally, reminding you that you are not walking into grief, fear, or uncertainty alone. They offer calm presence, reassurance, and understanding when words feel impossible.

This person is responsible for supporting you emotionally and psychologically, helping you:

• process fear, grief, and unresolved feelings
• feel heard without judgment
• find peace, meaning, or closure
• navigate difficult conversations and decisions
• feel supported, dignified, and cared for until the end.

A death doula does not replace doctors, nurses, or therapists. Instead, they care for the human side of dying and loss—the heart, the mind, and the soul.