People throng Bismillah's funeral

Varanasi, Aug 21 (UNI) Even as an emotionally charged funeral procession of shehnai maestro Bismillah Khan reached Karbala-Fatamaan for burial, the people queued all along the two-kilometre road through which he had gone to express his 'Aasu Ka Nazrana' during the 5th and 8th day of the Moharram.

The situation turned more pathetic, when clouds hovering over the city during the procession and light drizzle was witnessed, which seemed that the gods were also shedding 'Aasu' for the departed soul.

The entire route was jammed with millions of people joining the funeral procession, which started from Beniabagh after offering the Janaje-e-namaz first by Shia hazarat and then by Sunni hazarat.

Later, the body wrapped in the national tri-colour was put on a grilled coffin and lifted to a carriage of the CRPF.

A guard of honour was also given to the departed soul by the state police.

The funeral went through the same route, which was taken by the Ustad when he went to offer 'Aasu Ka Nazrana' at the Karbala during Moharram. Bismillah Khan's youngest son Nazim sat on the front of the carriage alongwith other family members.

The burial would take place under a Neem tree just by the side of the place where Khan saheb used to sit and play the shehnai during the 5th and 8th day of Moharram. Army contingent would also give a guard of honour at the Karbala Fatamaan.

The funeral passed through Nai Sarak, Shaikh Saleem Fatak, Pali Mahal, Fitar Kundh and Lallanpara before reaching Karbal Fatamaan.

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