Acclaimed Ghazal singer Umbayi was laid to rest at the Juma Masjid at his home town of Fort Kochi on Thursday amidst the presence of hundreds of music lovers.
His body, which was kept at his home overnight, was taken on a funeral procession on Thursday around 8.30 a.m. He passed away on Wednesday evening after suffering from prolonged illness. In keeping with his wish, which he had shared with his daughter, the body was brought to the government rest house alongside the Fort Kochi beach.
The legendary singer had a sentimental attachment to the rest house as he had composed many of his songs there. PWD Minister G. Sudhakaran had accorded special permission to keep the body there for a few minutes though the body was not taken out of the ambulance.
The body was then taken to the Fort Kochi community hall where hundreds turned up to pay last respects to their favourite musician. MLAs K.J. Maxy, V.K. Ebrahimkunju, V.D. Satheeshan, M. Swaraj, and John Fernandez, District Collector K. Mohammed Y. Safirulla, City Police Commissioner M.P. Dinesh, and noted musician Shahabaz Aman were among those present.
The departed musician was given a guard of honour before the body was buried around 12.30 p.m.
Later, a remembrance meeting was held, which was inaugurated by senior CPI(M) leader M.M. Lawrence. Mr. Maxy presided.
