The Gemara in Shabbat (21) establishes that during the eight days of Hanukah, starting from 25 Kislev, it is forbidden to observe a fast or deliver eulogies, as these days are designated as days of festivity and joyful celebration. Therefore, if, Heaven forbid, somebody passes away during Hanukah, although the funeral and burial are performed, no eulogies should be delivered. The exception to this rule is the death of a Torah scholar, in which case eulogies are given on Hanukah in the body’s presence. For others, however, no eulogies are delivered on Hanukah even in the presence of the body at the funeral.
All the other laws of mourning apply on Hanukah. Mourners rend their garments, they stay at home and sit on the ground, and they observe all the normal laws and restrictions of Abelut. Similarly, the Misva of Nihum Abelim – to visit mourners – applies normally during Hanukah, and therefore if somebody is sitting Shiba, Heaven forbid, during Hanukah, it is a Misva to visit and comfort him.
There is an admirable custom to observe a fast on the Yahrtzeit of a parent. Although this is a proper custom, one should not fast if the Yahrtzeit falls during Hanukah, as fasting is forbidden during the holiday. Likewise, although it is customary to visit the cemetery after the Shiba mourning period, or after the first month or the first year, such visits should not be made during Hanukah, as it is inappropriate to invoke feelings of grief during the holiday. Family members in such a case should visit the cemetery before Hanukah. It is, however, permissible and appropriate to visit and pray near graves of Sadikim during Hanukah. Praying at the gravesite of a Sadik brings comfort, not grief, and it is therefore entirely permissible to do so during the holiday of Hanukah.
Summary: It is forbidden to fast on Hanukah, even on the occasion of a Yahrtzeit. Eulogies should not be given during Hanukah, even at a funeral, except at the funeral of a Torah scholar when the body is present. All the laws of mourning apply during Hanukah, as does the Misva of visiting mourners. One should not visit a cemetery during Hanukah, though it is permissible to pray by the gravesite of a Sadik.
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