A funeral pyre is a structure made of wood used for cremating a deceased person's body. It is often built in an open space, allowing the flames to consume the body completely. This practice is common in various cultures, particularly in Hindu traditions, where it symbolizes the release of the soul from the physical form. During the cremation process, the body is placed on the pyre and set alight, usually accompanied by rituals and prayers. The ashes left after the fire can be collected and scattered in sacred places, such as rivers like the Ganges, which holds significant spiritual importance in many cultures.