Mumbai, Nov 18 : Lakhs of people paid last tributes to their beloved leader and Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray here Sunday as his mortal remains were consigned to the flames.
Thackeray's son Uddhav lit the pyre at 6.17 p.m.
Uddhav's cousin and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj stood by him in support as Thackeray's mortal remains were consigned to the flames.
Uddhav was an epitome of compassion and dignity as he lit the funeral pyre of his father. He had earlier broken down at the beginning of the funeral procession.
Amidst the chanting of holy mantras, while conducting the last rites, Uddhav led Raj by his hand, implying they be together during the sad moment, just as his father wished since the past few months.
However, only minutes before the funeral pyre was lit, Raj broke down, with tears streaming down his cheeks.
The public cremation of Thackeray is a first for Mumbai and he was cremated with full state honours, including a gun salute.
