The mortal remains of Nek Chand, the creator of the iconic Rock Garden of Chandigarh, were consigned to flames with full state honours here this evening.
People from all walks of life thronged the Rock Garden during the day to pay their last respects to the man behind the iconic creation who breathed his last here yesterday.
The mortal remains of Chand were kept at the Rock Garden today for the public to pay their last respects.
His funeral procession started from Rock Garden late in the afternoon and the convoy carrying the mortal remains of the legend passed through different Sectors of Chandigarh enabling people along the way to pay their homage.
The convoy had a vehicle carrying iconic creations of the legend.
The decorated convoy reached the cremation ground under police escort, even as people along the way showered flower petals.
Besides Nek Chand's family members, people from all walks of life accompanied the body during the funeral procession.
The body was brought to the Sector 25 cremation ground in the evening and the funeral pyre was lit by his son Anuj Saini, amid gun salute from the police as a mark of respect to the legend.
Earlier in the day, among the prominent persons who visited Rock Garden were Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator, Kaptan Singh Solanki and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.
Chand had been ailing for the past few days and was admitted to a private hospital here. He was later shifted to Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), where he passed away in the early hours yesterday. He was 90.
Chand is survived by his wife Kamla, son Anuj and daughter Neelam.
Earlier today, his body was taken to the Rock Garden from his house at Sector 27 here on the same route along which Chand used to regularly cycle to the garden.
Entry to the Rock Garden was made free for the public for two days since yesterday.
The administration of the Union Territory of Chandigarh has made necessary arrangements to bid the artistic genius a farewell with full state honours.
