This story appears in the April 2010 issue of National Geographic magazine. If I were called in / To construct a religion / I should make use of water, wrote the English poet Philip Larkin in 1954 ...

The scattering of ashes caused a protest from the residents ... Health Directorate conducted a swift investigation and took water samples. It turned out that emptying the urn into the water ...

A local council in South Australia has designated a beach site for the Hindu community to perform rituals, including the scattering of ashes in flowing water. Credit: Getty/Supplied by Snowden ...

Traditionally, scattering ashes onto flowing water is done soon after cremation. In Adelaide, until recently, many families waited months - or even years - to return ashes to their homeland.

The scattering of cremated remains is not permitted ... In Queensland, it is generally legal to scatter ashes and to hold a small, private ceremony on public land or water. Exceptions do apply, ...

Some families were shocked to find plaques, teddies and other items removed from Accrington Cemetery and locked behind a gate ...

The scattering of cremated remains ... In Queensland, it is generally legal to scatter ashes and to hold a small, private ceremony on public land or water. Exceptions do apply, however ...