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How to Honor Loved Ones: Booking Obituary Ads in Hindustan Times (2026 Guide)
By Sahil Singh, Ad Booking Consultant | Riyo Advertising | Authorized HT Partner since 2015
Nobody calls us on a good day. When a person calls to place an obituary advertisement in Hindustan Times today, he is likely in the midst of the most difficult week of his life.
Decisions are made quickly, family members are traveling, and the advertisement is just another item on a list that feels unbearable. I get these calls at 7 AM. I get them at 11 PM when someone realizes the funeral notice hasn’t been released yet.
I am writing this because I have seen families make unnecessary errors at a time when errors are more expensive than money.
1. Why a Newspaper Memorial Still Matters
The marketing world changes, but some things remain constant. Whenever a family puts an obituary ad in HT Classifieds, it reaches older relatives in Delhi NCR, Chandigarh, and Lucknow—households where the physical paper is still a morning staple.
Extended family, former colleagues, and old neighbors are the types of individuals who might miss a WhatsApp forward but will read the paper over chai. Furthermore, print becomes a permanent record. Families often request tearsheets years later as evidence for legal matters or simply for family archives.
2. Types of Obituary Ads — They’re Not All the Same
Remembrance Ads
Published immediately after passing. They include the name, dates, a short note, and prayer meeting details. These are highly urgent.
Funeral Invitations
Announcements focused on the ceremony specifics—when, where, and the invitation list.
Death Anniversary Ads
Placed on the one-year mark or repeated anniversaries. These allow for more text, poems, and better planning.
3. What to Include — A Checklist That Actually Works
I’ve drafted hundreds of these. Ensure your ad contains:
- Full Name: Including professional names, maiden names, or nicknames like "Papaji."
- Dates: Date of birth and date of passing.
- Photo: If opting for a display ad format.
- Family Members: Surviving members with their relationships noted.
- Logistics: Date, time, venue, and full address for the prayer meeting.
- Contact Info: A name/number for condolences if desired.
Pro Tip: Families often focus on the tribute and forget the venue address. Write the logistics first, then the tribute.
4. Same-Day Booking for Obituary Ads in Hindustan Times
Can you book an obituary ad in Hindustan Times today? Frequently, yes.
While the standard cutoff for next-day ads is around 3 PM, same-day windows are much narrower and vary by edition (Delhi vs. Chandigarh). If the minutes count, do not use the portal—call us directly. We can tell you instantly if the print window is still open.
5. Text vs. Display for Obituary Ads
| Feature | Classified Text | Display Ad |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower (starts ₹900–₹1,400) | Higher (starts ₹3,000+) |
| Photos | Not allowed | Central to the format |
| Speed | Best for urgent same-day | Requires formatting time |
6. Preserving the Record
Once the ad is published, always request a tearsheet. This is a physical copy of the page used for estate legalities and archives. We can also provide a PDF of the published ad upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How to book an obituary ad in Hindustan Times today?
Call an authorized partner like Riyo Advertising directly. For same-day needs, speed is more important than using a portal. We verify the window and process the text instantly.
2. How much does an obituary ad cost in HT Classifieds?
As of early 2026, text ads start around ₹900–₹1,400. Display ads with photos start around ₹3,000. Prices vary by edition and size.
3. Can I include a photo in a Hindustan Times obituary ad?
Yes, but only in Display Ad format. Text classifieds do not support images. Use a clear, passport-style photo for the best print quality.
4. What is the deadline for booking a death announcement?
Generally 3 PM the previous day for next-day publication. For same-day, call as early as possible (before noon).
5. How do I track my ad in the HT epaper?
Use your booking confirmation number. The epaper classified section mirrors the print edition. Check it on the morning of publication.
