Shok Sandesh card maker (शोक संदेश कार्ड)
A Shok Sandesh is the first notice that goes out after a death. It is read in a hurry, on a phone, usually inside a family WhatsApp group, so it has to carry the facts quickly and quietly.
Designs that suit a shok sandesh card
What a Shok Sandesh should contain
- Full name with the right prefix (Shri, Smt., Late, स्वर्गीय, कै., સ્વ.)
- Date of passing, and age if the family wants it shown
- One short line of prayer or remembrance
- Cremation or burial details only if you are inviting people to attend it
- A single contact number, preferably of one family member who will pick up
What can wait for the second card
Do not squeeze the Terahvi or prayer-meeting programme into the first notice unless it has already been fixed. Dates quoted in a Shok Sandesh get forwarded, and a wrong date forwarded fifty times is hard to correct. If the ritual date is still being confirmed with the pandit, send the Shok Sandesh now and make a separate Terahvi card later.
Choosing a design
For a first notice most families choose a quiet design: White Lily or Black & White Minimal. Saffron and marigold designs are more common for the invitation that follows. If the person was old and well loved, a photo helps recognition; for a sudden or young death some families prefer to leave the photo out of the first message.