Lakhs of grief stricken Shiv Sainiks and public have gathered at the Shivaji Park ground in Central Mumbai today to pay their last homage to Shiv Sena Chief Balasaheb Thackeray. His mortal remains were earlier brought in and kept for a few minutes at the Shiv Sena Head Quarters 'Sena Bhavan' in Dadar. The Maharashtra Government has granted special permission to the Shiv Sena to carry out the final rites of Balasaheb Thackeray at Shivaji park ground instead of a crematorium due to the presence of a large crowd.

The body of the Shiv Sena supremo is placed on a hearse adorned with flowers. Family members close aids are seen accompanying him towards his final journey.

Lakhs of grief stricken Shiv Sainiks have joined the funeral procession. The Maharashtra Government has announced that Balasaheb Thackeray will be accorded a state funeral.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made in Mumbai and the Mumbai traffic police has also issued an advisory to commuters asking them to avoid the traffic between Bandra and Dadar.

AIR correspondent reports, Shiv Sena Supremo, Balasaheb Thackeray's funeral procession, dubbed as one of the biggest in recent times began today morning from his residence 'Matsohree' in suburban Mumbai. Hordes of people thronged the roadsides, flyovers, skywalks and balconies of their apartments to catch a glimpse of the Shiv Sena Supremo's final journey. There is an outpouring of grief as lakhs of Shiv Sainiks are seen at the Shivaji Park ground to pay their last homage to their beloved leader. According to sources, the last rites of the Sena Supremo will be held today evening at the Shivaji Park,. The Maharashtra Government has granted special permission to the Sena in order to held the cremation at the ground instead of a crematorium owing to the large number of crowd. Meanwhile, shops in Mumbai continue to remain closed and rickshaws and taxis have gone off the road. The entire city has come to a halt and bids a final good bye to the mascot of Marathi pride.