Bhupenda’s funeral postponed to Wednesday

A huge turn out of Bhupen-da’s fans finally forced the Assam government to postpone the funeral of the legend to Wednedsay. Talking to reporters, Assam Cultural Minister Pranati Phukan said, people from the nook and corner of the state have descended on Judges Field to him their last respect. It is not possible for all to pay their respect till 5 pm on Tuesday.

In view of the situation, the government has decided not to cremate the body on Tuesday and has rescheduled the funeral to Wednesday morning. People walked all the way to the venue where Hazarika's body, draped in traditional Assamese 'gamosa', was lying inside a glass casket.

The last rites will be conducted at Shishu Udayan in the Guwahati University campus in Jalukbari area by his only son Tez Bhupen Hazarika. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi have sent DONER Minister Paban Singh Ghatowar.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi who visited the lifeless legend at the Judges’ Field said the final journey to Jalukbari would take place at 6 in the morning and his son would perform last rites at 7 in the morning. He said the decision was taken after consultation with the family members.

Thousands of people are still remaining in queues extending to about five to six kilometers. All of a sudden, a stampede like situation took place at the Judges Field on Tuesday morning as close to 2,000 people jumped the barricade and entered the playground through a gate meant for VIPs. Lakhs of his fans are singing his popular songs and slogans while some thousands others are patiently are queuing up to have a last glimpse of one of the last known balladeers.