Thousands throng Bismillah's funeral

Even as an emotionally charged funeral procession of shehnai maestro Bismillah Khan reached Karbala-Fatamaan for burial, the people queued all along the two-kilometre road through which he had gone to express his Aasu Ka Nazrana during the 5th and 8th day of the Moharram.

Even a light drizzle did not deter the crowds. The route was jammed with thousands of people joining the funeral procession, which started from Beniabagh.

Later, the body wrapped in the national tri-colour was put on a coffin and lifted to a carriage of the Central Reserve Police Force. A guard of honour was also given to the departed soul by the state police.

Bismillah Khan's youngest son Nazim sat on the front of the carriage along with other family members.

The burial would take place under a Neem tree just by the side of the place where Khan saheb used to sit and play the shehnai during Moharram. An army contingent will also give a guard of honour at the Karbala Fatamaan.

The funeral passed through Nai Sarak, Shaikh Saleem Fatak, Pali Mahal, Fitar Kundh and Lallanpara before reaching Karbal Fatamaan.