In Pics: Teary-eyed Uddhav, Raj cremate Bal Thackeray in Mum
Mumbai, Nov 19: Mumbai bade farewell to its leader Bal Thackeray on Sunday, Nov 18. The funeral procession created history as at least 50 lakh people were reportedly present at Shivaji Park where Shiv Sena supremo was cremated.
A stream of eminent personalities from politics, films and corporate world reached the venue on Sunday. BJP veteran leaders such as LK Advani, Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, Nitin Gadkari and many others were present at the park where Bal Thackeray had begun his political career in 1966.
The Sena patriarch's family members had organised a grand funeral procession which reached Shivaji Park ground after over six hours long journey in the presence of lakhs of Shiv Sainiks and his followers.
His son Uddhav lit the funeral pyre around 6.15 pm after Mumbai police gave a 21-gun salute. Uddhav and his cousin brother Raj Thackeray together performed a portion of the last rites. The latter broke down when the former lit his father's pyre.
Raj & Uddhav at Bal Thackeray's funeral
Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray performing the last rites of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on Sunday.
Raj breaks down at Bal Thackeray's funeral
MNS Chief Raj Thackeray broke down during the funeral of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray at Shiv Theerth (Shivaji park) in Mumbai on Sunday.
Gun salute to Bal Thackeray
A contingent of Mumbai police gave a 21-gun salute during Thackeray's funeral at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on Sunday.
Uddhav performs last rites
Uddhav Thackeray performs last rites at Shiv Theerth (Shivaji park) in Mumbai on Sunday.
Bal Thackeray cremated in Mumbai
Family members and Sena supporters attended Balasaheb Thackeray's funeral in Mumbai on Sunday.
Uddhav pays last tribute to his father
Uddhav Thackeray pays last tribute to his father Balasaheb Thackeray at Shivaji park during his funeral in Mumbai on Sunday.
Bal Thackeray funeral: Uddhav performs rituals
Uddhav Thackeray performing rituals during the funeral of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on Sunday.
Uddhav Thackeray lights funeral pyre
As son and successor Uddhav lit Balasaheb's pyre at Shivaji park in Mumbai on Sunday.
Political leaders at Bal Thackeray's funeral
Senior leaders of various parties attended funeral of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray at Shivaji park in Mumbai on Sunday.