Last rites of B Saroja Devi conducted with full state honours, as per Vokkaliga traditions at native village in Channapatna taluk

BENGALURU: The last rites of veteran Kannada actress B Saroja Devi was conducted at her hometown Dasawara in Channapatna taluk, beside her mother’s grave,  with full state honours and as per Vokkaliga traditions on Tuesday.

Before the cremation, her mortal remains were taken in a procession and later placed in a palanquin. Hundreds of people gathered at the site to pay their last respects.

Earlier, as per Saroja Devi’s will, her funeral was supposed to be held at her husband’s farmhouse in Kodigehalli, beside her husband’s grave. However, due to the construction of apartments nearby, it was decided to hold the funeral at Dasawara village in Channapatna.

The public was allowed to pay their respects until 10 am. After that, her mortal remains were taken to Channapatna and thereon to her hometown after public viewing near tthe Gandhi Bhavan in Channapatna.

Late Saroja Devi’s son Gowtham had earlier stated that his mother had expressed her desire to be buried beside her husband, but it was not possible due to the development of the area into a layout with apartments. Therefore, the funeral was held at Dasawara, where Saroja Devi was born and her mother was buried.