Leaving behind a rich political legacy, Congress veteran and six-time Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh died on Thursday, July 8. The mortal remains of former HP CM will be cremated in Rampur, Bushahr on Saturday, 10 July.
Born in the royal family of the princely state of Bushahr, Virbhadra will be cremated with royal ritual in the royal crematorium.
The state government has announced a three day mourning as a gesture of respect for the veteran leader and politician. The markets are shut down and there will no official entertainment in the state till July 10 and the national flag wilt fly at half-mast.
Former CM Virbhadra Singh’s body has been kept at his residence “Holly Lodge” in the Jakhu area of Shimla for the public to pay their last respects.
Six-time Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Virbhadra was crowned as 122nd King of the princely state of Bushahr at the age of 13 in 1947. Now, as per traditions, a coronation ceremony of his son Vikramaditya Singh, 31, will be held ahead of Virbhadra’s last rites.
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Traditionally, the last rites of the king are not performed till his son or his successor is being crowned as the next king of the state. Hence, the 'raj-tilak' ceremony of Vikramaditya will be performed before the last rituals.
A family spokesperson said the former CM's body will be taken to Rampur by road and will reach Padam Palace Rampur at 6 pm. Tomorrow, July 10, his body will be kept at Padam Palace Rampur from 8 am to 2 pm for antim darshan. The funeral will be performed at 3 pm.