GUWAHATI, Nov 26 - In a spontaneous display of love, affection and respect for their beloved leader, thousands of people on Thursday joined the final journey of former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi as his mortal remains were being taken to the Nabagraha crematorium. This was designed as per wishes of the stalwart that after his death his body should be taken to a namghar, a temple, a mosque and a church before being consigned to flames.
The procession started from the premises of Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra in a flower-bedecked hearse amid a sea of humanity all along the road traversed by the cavalcade containing the mortal remains of Gogoi. Devotional music was also played out in the hearse.
Thousands of people patiently waited for hours to get a last glimpse of the departed leader. They showered the hearse with flower petals and paid homage to the former Chief Minister on his last journey with folded hands, bowed heads and salutes.
From the Kalakshetra, the mortal remains first reached Bungalow No. M7, the official residence of Gogoi located in the Ministers� Colony at Dispur, from where the former Chief Minister led his party during his last days.
At his official residence, the coffin was taken down from the vehicle, where his family performed rituals as per Ahom custom. Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and AICC general secretary in-charge for Assam Jitendra Singh along with APCC president Ripun Bora also joined the bereaved family. Hundreds of Congress workers wearing distinctive white T-shirts also gathered outside the compound of his residence and after the rituals, the coffin was again taken out of the campus and placed on the hearse.
From his official residence, the procession headed towards the Sixmile area where it took a U-turn after crossing the flyover and reached the Catholic cathedral at Rukminigaon where hymns and prayers were recited for the departed soul.
Congress MLA Roselina Tirki, who was waiting at the cathedral from early morning, said, �The ideals he (Gogoi) left behind will always remain close to our heart. He did a lot for the peace and prosperity of Assam. We can never forget his contributions. I pray for the eternal peace of his soul.� From the cathedral, the procession of hundreds of Gogoi�s fans and followers, made its way via GS Road and then reached a namghar on RG Baruah Road. Then, it proceeded towards Chandmari and took MRD Road towards the Ambari Burha Masjid.
While the cavalcade was passing through the Chandmari flyover, hundreds conversed on the spot. People also gathered on rooftops of buildings and also by windows of upper floors for a last glimpse of Gogoi. A prayer was performed for him at the Burha Masjid and then the procession made its way towards the Ugratara Temple.
