MITHl: Several thousand Hindus and Muslims gathered in Mithi from different parts of Tharparkar on Monday to attend the final rites of revered preacher and interfaith harmony crusader Matu Ram Bhagat, who passed away at the age of 72.
Markets, bazaars, shops and other trade and commercial outlets were closed in Mithi, Islamkot, Chelhar and other towns in mourning as soon as the news of Ram Bhagat spread across the district.
Ram Bhagat, who happened to be the maternal uncle of MNA Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani, was also known for his life-long services for the preservation of Sindh’s cultural heritage and his special interest in mysticism. He once served as the nazim of Mithi and had regularly been organising the traditional horse and camel races in the district.
He was the custodian of the Bhagat Hardas seat and wielded great respect among the Hindu and Muslim communities across Tharparkar district.
In accordance with a tradition reserved for revered Hindu spiritual leaders, Ram Bhagat’s body was placed in a seated position in a decorated Baikunthi, which was taken out from his residence, Bhagat Duwara, in a large funeral procession that touched several temples, as well as an Imambargah, within Mithi along its route to the cremation site.
Mourners in the procession kept reciting bhajans and mystic verses all along the route.
Women mourners showered flower petals on the Baikunthi from outside their homes and performed aarti as they bade an emotional farewell to their spiritual leader.
Sufi singer Rajab Faqeer also presented mystic tribute to the Ram Bhagat.