Ravi Shankar's memorial services to be held in US, India

Memorial services for the legendary Sitar virtuoso, Pandit Ravi Shankar will be held near his homes in southern California and in India.

Both services will be attended by family and friends, and will offer an opportunity for loved ones to share intimate memories and thoughts about the musician.

Public concerts celebrating Ravi's music, in both New York and London, are being discussed for 2013.

The memorial date has not yet been announced.

Pandit Ravi Shankar passed away on December 11 near his home in Encinitas in San Diego. He was 92

His health had been fragile for the past several years and on Thursday he underwent surgery to replace a heart valve at Scripps Mercy Hospital, but did not survive.

Ravi Shankar's daughter Anoushka Shankar posted the following on her Facebook page on Thursday said, "The Shankar family is extremely touched and grateful by the outpouring of support and kind wishes. Thank you all for the messages and memories you have shared with me since my Father passed away. They have made his image in my heart still more full, bright, and beautiful. He will live on in the music he gave us, and I feel him around me so strongly still."

Norah Jones, elder daughter of Ravi Shankar, posted videos of Ravi performing on her page and stated: "He's 51 in the first clip and 92 in the second clip, and an inspiration in both. I love you and miss you, Pops."

Through a statement said his wife of 23 years, Sukanya Shankar, said, "He has always belonged to the public, whom he loved and cherished."

The family is also encouraging people to help carry on Shankar's mission of peace through music by donating either to the Ravi Shankar Foundation or to their favourite charity in Ravi's name this holiday season.