How to Submit an Obituary to Times of India Newspaper – Step-by-Step 2026
How to Submit an Obituary to Times of India Newspaper: Complete Step-by-Step Guide 2026
Table of Contents
How Do You Submit an Obituary to the Times of India Newspaper?
Why Use an Authorised Agency to Submit Your Obituary?
What Do You Need Before Submitting an Obituary to Times of India?
What Are the Steps to Submit an Obituary to Times of India?
What Is the Submission Deadline for Times of India Obituary Ads?
What Should You Write in a Times of India Obituary Ad?
Can You Submit an Obituary to Times of India Online?
What Are the Different Categories of Obituary Ads You Can Submit?
How Do You Submit an Obituary for Multiple Cities in Times of India?
How Can Riyo Advertising Help You Submit Your Times of India Obituary?
Introduction
An obituary published in the Times of India is indeed a gesture of honour and with appropriate guidance and assistance it is an easy one. The six-step process at Riyo Advertising ensures that your ad is submitted correctly, published on time, and created the way your loved one deserves. From preparing your content to reviewing the sample to receiving your confirmation, every step is guided. It doesn't have to be done alone.
How Do You Submit an Obituary to the Times of India Newspaper?
Direct Answer: To submit an obituary to the Times of India, choose your ad type (classified text, classified display, or full display), select your city edition, prepare your content and documents (death certificate and photo if required), submit through an authorised booking platform like Riyo Advertising, review and approve a sample, make payment, and receive confirmation of your publication date. The entire process can be completed online in under 30 minutes.
The Times of India no longer accepts walk-in obituaries from the general public at most of its offices. The most accurate and convenient way is to use an authorised advertising agency like Riyo Advertising who will book through a Times Group 'Advertising Agency' and work directly with Times Interact (Times Group's official advertising booking platform), which is the most accurate way to book your ad.
Why Use an Authorised Agency to Submit Your Obituary?
- Direct access to Times Interact — the official TOI booking system
- Discounted rates not available through direct booking
- Ad design and sample review before publication
- Expert guidance on format, size, and city edition selection
- Priority handling for urgent same-day or next-day submissions
- Single point of contact for payment, confirmation, and any changes
What Do You Need Before Submitting an Obituary to Times of India?
Direct Answer: Before publishing an obituary in the Times of India, you will need a death certificate (or doctor's certificate, as an alternative) and the text content for your obituary, a scanned picture of the deceased (if you prefer to have one in the obituary), and an understanding of the city edition and date you would like the obituary to be published. It saves time, particularly if you're under a time constraint, to have all of these on hand before you start booking.
Complete checklist before you submit:
- ✅ Death certificate — Issued by the competent authority (municipal corporation, gram panchayat, hospital, etc.)
- ✅ Doctor's certificate — Acceptable alternative if death certificate is not yet available
- ✅ Ad content / text — Name, age, date of passing, funeral/ceremony details, tribute message
- ✅ Photograph — Scanned copy of the deceased (required only for display and remembrance ads)
- ✅ City edition preference — Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Pune, or any other TOI edition
- ✅ Publication date — The date you want the ad to appear; confirm deadlines for that edition
- ✅ Ad type decision — Classified text, classified display, or full display
- ✅ Budget clarity — Know your approximate size and cost before starting
Tip: If the death certificate has not yet been issued, a doctor's certificate or hospital discharge summary confirming the death is accepted by most newspaper editions. Do not delay submission waiting for the official certificate — contact Riyo Advertising and they will guide you.
What Are the Steps to Submit an Obituary to Times of India?
Direct Answer: Submitting an obituary to the Times of India involves six steps — selecting your newspaper edition and ad type, choosing the publication date, writing and sharing your ad content, reviewing the sample prepared by the agency, making a secure payment, and receiving confirmation. Through Riyo Advertising, this process is guided, fast, and available online 24/7 with phone and WhatsApp support at every stage.
Step 1 — Choose Your City Edition and Ad Type
The Times of India publishes separate editions for each major city — Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Lucknow, and more. Select the edition that reaches your target audience — typically the city where the deceased lived or where most family, friends, and community members are located.
Then choose your ad type:
- Classified Text Ad — Text only, most affordable, ideal for simple death announcements
- Classified Display Ad — Includes design elements, optional photo, and formatted text; ideal for remembrance and tribute
- Full Display Ad — Large, visually designed tribute for maximum impact; can be placed on front page, back page, or inside pages
Also choose your ad category — Death Announcement, Sad Demise, Remembrance, Condolence, Chautha, Bhog Ceremony, Marka, Prayer Meeting, Death Anniversary, or In Memoriam.
Step 2 — Prepare Your Ad Content
Write the text you want published. A well-prepared obituary typically includes:
- Full name of the deceased
- Date of birth and date of passing
- Brief tribute message — a few lines about their life, character, or legacy
- Funeral or ceremony details — date, time, venue of last rites, Chautha, Bhog, prayer meeting, etc.
- Family names — surviving spouse, children, grandchildren (optional but common)
- Contact details — if you want people to reach the family (optional)
Keep your text concise. Classified ads are charged by line or sq cm — every word adds to the cost. Riyo Advertising's team helps you edit and format the content for the most impactful and cost-effective ad.
Step 3 — Submit Your Content to Riyo Advertising
Share your content by:
- WhatsApp: Send text, photo, and documents to 9821984000
- Email: Send to info@riyoadvertising.com
- Online form: Submit through riyoadvertising.com
- Phone: Call 9821984000 and dictate your content to the support team
Include: your ad text, the scanned photo (if applicable), death certificate or doctor's certificate, preferred publication date, and your city edition.
Step 4 — Review Your Ad Sample
After receiving your content, Riyo Advertising prepares a designed sample of your obituary ad and sends it to you for review — before any payment is made.
This step is important:
- Check all names, dates, and details for accuracy
- Verify the photo is clear and correctly positioned
- Confirm the font, layout, and overall appearance
- Request any changes — corrections are made before publication
Do not skip this step. An error in a published obituary is distressing and corrections after publication are costly and complicated.
Step 5 — Make Payment
Once you approve the sample, proceed with payment. Riyo Advertising accepts:
- Credit card / Debit card
- Net banking / IMPS
- Bank transfer (cheque or DD)
- Online payment gateway on the website
Payment is 100% secure. You receive a payment confirmation and booking reference immediately.
Step 6 — Receive Confirmation and Publication
After payment, you receive:
- A booking confirmation with your publication date and edition details
- A final copy of your approved ad
- Confirmation that the ad has been submitted to Times Interact for publication
Your obituary ad appears in the Times Tribute/Obituary Section of the Times of India on your chosen date — typically on page 8 or 10, or on the front/back page if you selected premium placement.
What Is the Submission Deadline for Times of India Obituary Ads?
Direct Answer: Times of India obituary ads have deadlines that differ from edition to edition, generally the night before the day of publication in the morning newspapers. Contact Riyo Advertising immediately at 9821984000 for same day/next day publication. Urgent bookings are given priority and the team will confirm the earliest possible publication date for the city edition selected.
| Publication Date | Typical Submission Deadline |
|---|---|
| Monday | Saturday evening or Sunday morning |
| Tuesday–Friday | Previous evening |
| Saturday | Friday evening |
| Sunday | Saturday morning (check with agency) |
For urgent obituary bookings: Call or WhatsApp 9821984000 immediately. Riyo Advertising handles time-sensitive submissions with priority and will advise on the earliest available slot for your city edition.
What Should You Write in a Times of India Obituary Ad?
Direct Answer: An obituary ad in the Times of India should specify the full name of the person who died, his age, date of death, short obituary and funeral/ceremony details. A photo and a personal message from the family are very effective in a tribute for classified display and remembrance ads. Keep the language dignified, clear, and concise — charged per line or sq cm, every word should be meaningful.
[Date of Birth] – [Date of Passing]
[2–3 lines of tribute — e.g., "Beloved husband, father, and grandfather. A life lived with grace, kindness, and unwavering love."]
Deeply missed by [spouse's name], [children's names], and family.
[Ceremony details — e.g., "Prayer meeting on [date] at [venue] at [time]"]
— [Family name]
Tips for writing your obituary ad:
- Use the deceased's full name as it was commonly known
- Keep the tribute personal — one or two genuine sentences are more powerful than generic phrases
- Include ceremony details clearly — date, time, full address
- Proofread carefully — names, dates, and venue details must be 100% accurate
- If including a photo, use a clear, recent photograph with a plain background where possible
Can You Submit an Obituary to Times of India Online?
Direct Answer: Yes — the easiest and most reliable way to submit a Times of India obituary in 2026 is online through Riyo Advertising's website at riyoadvertising.com. The entire process — from selecting your edition and ad type to submitting content, reviewing a sample, paying, and receiving confirmation — is available 24/7 online with phone and WhatsApp support. No need to visit a newspaper office or travel anywhere.
Online submission through Riyo Advertising offers:
- 24/7 availability — Submit at any time, including nights and weekends
- Guided process — Step-by-step support from the team
- Same-day processing for urgent bookings (subject to edition deadlines)
- Transparent pricing — Know the cost before you commit
- Secure payment gateway — Multiple payment options
- Confirmation in minutes — Not hours or days
What Are the Different Categories of Obituary Ads You Can Submit?
Direct Answer: The Times of India's Times Tribute/Obituary Section receives obituary ads in 11 distinct categories, each optimized for a specific category of advertisement and/or ceremony. Selecting the right category will make your ad reach the right readers and be placed in the right sub-section. The most popular types of bookings are Death Announcement, Remembrance, and Chautha-Uthamna.
| Category | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Death Announcement | Simple, immediate announcement of passing |
| Sad Demise | For sudden or unexpected deaths |
| Remembrance | Tribute on death anniversary or special occasion |
| Death Anniversary | Annual memorial on the date of passing |
| Condolence | Expression of sympathy from friends or colleagues |
| Chautha-Uthamna | Invitation for the ceremony on the 4th day after death |
| Bhog Ceremony | Completion of Sahej Paath / Akhand Paath (Sikh ceremony) |
| Marka | Sindhi community memorial ceremony |
| Prayer Meeting | General prayer gathering announcement |
| In Memoriam | Memorial on birthdays or special occasions |
| Eulogy | Extended tribute to the deceased's life and legacy |
How Do You Submit an Obituary for Multiple Cities in Times of India?
Direct Answer: To publish an obituary in multiple Times of India city editions simultaneously, inform Riyo Advertising of all the cities you want covered when placing your booking. Each city edition has its own rate, and costs are calculated separately per city. This is a great feature for families who are scattered across many cities, or for letting the world know about the death of a well known person.
Multi-city submission tips:
- Confirm the rate for each city edition before finalising
- You can use the same ad content across all cities or customise per city
- Submission deadlines may vary slightly by edition — the agency coordinates all of them
- One payment covers all editions — no need to manage separate bookings
How Can Riyo Advertising Help You Submit Your Times of India Obituary?
We know that when you are submitting an obituary, you are not just booking an advertisement — you are honouring someone you loved. At Riyo Advertising, we handle every step with the care, speed, and accuracy that this moment deserves.
How we make the submission process easier for you:
- 📰 Direct Times Interact access — Your ad goes straight to the official TOI booking system, guaranteeing placement
- 🎨 Free ad design — We create a dignified, personalised sample for your approval before publication
- 🏙️ All 20+ TOI city editions — One call covers Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Pune, and more
- ⚡ Urgent handling — Same-day or next-day publication managed with priority for time-sensitive bookings
- 💰 Discounted rates — Starting at ₹5,000, with a 10% discount on your first booking
- ✅ Sample before payment — You approve everything before we proceed — no surprises, no errors
- 📞 Dedicated support — Our team answers calls, WhatsApp, and emails promptly — because we understand timing matters
You focus on your family. We handle the rest.
📞 Call or WhatsApp: 9821984000
📧 Email: info@riyoadvertising.com
🌐 Submit online 24/7 at: riyoadvertising.com/times-of-india-obituary-ad-rates.shtml
First booking? Mention it — and receive a 10% discount on your obituary ad.
FAQ: Submitting an Obituary to Times of India
Can I submit an obituary to Times of India directly without an agency?
Technically yes, through the Times Interact portal — but working with an authorised agency like Riyo Advertising gives you access to discounted rates, professional ad design, sample review before publication, and guided support. Direct submissions require you to navigate the portal, design the ad yourself, and manage deadlines independently — which is difficult during a time of grief.
How far in advance should I submit an obituary to Times of India?
Ideally, submit at least 24–48 hours before your intended publication date. Riyo Advertising accepts urgent submissions for same day or next day publishing so please contact them at 9821984000 at the earliest. Submission deadlines vary slightly by city edition; the agency confirms the exact deadline for your chosen edition when you call.
What if I make a mistake in the submitted content?
If you catch an error before approving the sample, corrections are made at no extra charge. Once the sample is approved and the ad is submitted for publication, corrections become difficult and may incur additional costs. This is why the sample review step is so important — always check every detail carefully before giving approval.
Can I submit an obituary for someone who passed away abroad?
Yes. Riyo Advertising handles obituary submissions for individuals who passed away outside India. The same documents apply — death certificate from the country of passing (with translation if required), or a doctor's certificate. The family in India can manage the entire submission process remotely via phone, WhatsApp, or email.
Can I choose which page of Times of India my obituary appears on?
Yes — the Times of India offers placement options including the dedicated Times Tribute/Obituary Section (pages 8–10), front page, and back page. Premium placements (front and back page) carry higher rates. For most obituary requirements, the Times Tribute Section provides the best reach among readers specifically looking for such announcements.
Is it possible to submit an obituary in a language other than English in Times of India?
The Times of India is an English-language newspaper — obituary ads are published in English. For obituaries in Hindi, Marathi, or other regional languages, Riyo Advertising can arrange publication in the appropriate language publications such as Navbharat Times (Hindi), Maharashtra Times (Marathi), or other regional dailies. Contact 9821984000 to discuss multi-language obituary options.
What happens after I submit and pay for my obituary?
After payment, Riyo Advertising submits your approved ad to Times Interact — the official TOI booking system. You receive a booking confirmation with your publication date and edition. Your obituary appears in the Times Tribute/Obituary Section on the confirmed date. If for any reason the ad is not published as confirmed, Riyo Advertising resolves the issue directly with the newspaper on your behalf.
Conclusion: How to Submit Your Times of India Obituary the Right Way
An obituary published in the Times of India is indeed a gesture of honour and with appropriate guidance and assistance it is an easy one. The six-step process at Riyo Advertising ensures that your ad is submitted correctly, published on time, and created the way your loved one deserves. From preparing your content to reviewing the sample to receiving your confirmation, every step is guided. It doesn't have to be done alone.
Next steps:
- Gather your death certificate or doctor's certificate, ad text, and photo (if applicable)
- Contact Riyo Advertising on WhatsApp or phone at 9821984000 — or visit the website to start your booking
- Review your sample, approve, and confirm — your tribute will appear in Times of India on your chosen date
