India mourns as Ratan Tata, a luminary of industry and humanity, takes his final journey

India bid farewell to Ratan Tata, with politicians, citizens, business leaders, and celebrities paying respects. His last rites were performed with state honours at the Worli Crematorium, marking the end of an era for India's industrial icon. (Pic credit: AP)

Ratan Tata's funeral was held with full state honours, featuring a gun salute by Mumbai Police and his casket draped in the tricolour. Maharashtra’s government urged the Centre to confer him with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award. (Pic credit: AP)

Prominent leaders such as Union home minister Amit Shah, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, Mukesh Ambani, and Natarajan Chandrasekaran attended the funeral. The event saw business tycoons and politicians gather to pay tribute to Tata’s towering legacy. (Pic credit: PTI)

Citizens and celebrities like Sachin Tendulkar, Aamir Khan, and Madhur Bhandarkar joined business leaders at NCPA to bid farewell to Tata. The event drew emotional responses from both the elite and the common people. (Pic credit: PTI)

Employees of Tata Group, including third-generation staffer Siddharth Chandanshive, gathered to honour their leader, crediting him for the group's influence in their lives. The outpouring reflected Tata’s bond with his workforce. (Pic credit: Reuters)

In a touching moment, Tata's pet dog, 'Goa,' refused to leave his side as the casket was being prepared for the final journey to the crematorium. This poignant scene highlights the deep affection shared between Tata and his pet. (Pic credit: PTI)

As Ratan Tata's body was carried from NCPA to the Worli crematorium, the procession was marked by chants of ‘Amar Rahe,’ ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai,’ and ‘Vande Mataram,’ symbolising the profound national impact of Tata’s legacy. (Pic credit: PTI)

Tata’s cremation was conducted in an electric furnace, reflecting modern shifts in Zoroastrian customs. The Prayer Hall saw large crowds, and entry was restricted after politicians left, with the Parsi community participating in the rituals. (Pic credit: PTI)

Peri Khambatta, a priest at the ceremony, explained that the funeral marks the first step, with three more days of Zoroastrian rituals to be held at Tata’s Colaba residence. These rites signify a deeper spiritual journey. (Pic credit: ANI)

Anticipating a large public turnout, Mumbai police enforced traffic restrictions and heightened security at Nariman Point. Maharashtra declared a day of mourning, underscoring Tata’s profound influence on the state and nation. (Pic credit: PTI)