Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda's wife H.D. Chennamma was laid to rest with full state honours in Hassan, with thousands attending the funeral and leaders from across political parties paying their final respectsH.D. Chennamma, wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, was laid to rest with full state honours at Mavinakere village in Hassan district on Sunday. The funeral, conducted according to Vokkaliga traditions, was attended by thousands of mourners, political leaders, religious heads and members of the Gowda family. During the final rites, H.D. Deve Gowda paid an emotional tribute to his wife, recalling her role in his political journey and family life.
Hassan: The last rites of H.D. Chennamma, wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, were performed with full state honours at Mavinakere village in Holenarasipur taluk of Hassan district on Sunday.
The funeral was conducted according to Vokkaliga customs in the family's garden at the foothills of Ranganathana Hill. Thousands of people gathered to pay their final respects as leaders from across political parties and religious institutions attended the ceremony.
H.D. Chennamma Funeral Held With Vokkaliga Traditions
Family members carried Chennamma's bier before the final rites began. Her sons H.D. Ramesh and H.D. Revanna, along with grandson Suraj Revanna, participated in carrying the palanquin.
Also Read: Chennamma Built the Gowda Family with Values and Quiet Leadership
Following the traditional rituals, the body was lowered into the burial site. Her children, grandchildren and daughters-in-law offered flowers, basil leaves and other customary offerings before the burial.
Chennamma, who shared a 72-year marriage with H.D. Deve Gowda and lived for over eight decades, was laid to rest at the foothills of Ranganathana Hill.
H.D. Deve Gowda Pays Emotional Tribute to Wife
Before the funeral, H.D. Deve Gowda addressed those gathered and spoke about his wife's contribution to his personal and political life.
Also Read: Chennamma The Silent Strength Behind HD Deve Gowda's Historic Journey
He said the family had decided to perform the last rites at Mavinakere, although Chennamma had earlier wished to be cremated at Paduvalahippe.
"With the blessings of Lord Ranganatha, I became the Prime Minister. My wife also played a major role in that journey," H.D. Deve Gowda said.
He also described Chennamma as a pillar of strength who supported him throughout his public life.
"She stood by me at every step of my growth. It is difficult to describe her contribution," he said while becoming emotional.
An emotional moment unfolded during the funeral when Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy bid his mother a final farewell. As the family gathered around the mortal remains before the last rites, Kumaraswamy gently kissed Chennamma on her forehead and face before offering his final goodbye. The deeply personal moment moved many mourners present at the venue, with several family members and supporters becoming emotional as the last rites proceeded according to Vokkaliga traditions.
H.D. Kumaraswamy kissed his mother Chennamma before bidding her a final farewell, a moment that drew an emotional response from those attending the funeral.
Leaders Across Parties Attend Chennamma's Last Rites
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar attended the funeral to pay their respects.
Union Ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Pralhad Joshi and V. Somanna were also present.
Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra, legislators and leaders from different political parties joined the funeral procession.
Religious leaders, including Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji and Shambhunatha Swamiji, offered floral tributes during the ceremony.
Thousands Gather for Final Darshan
A large number of people travelled to Mavinakere to pay their last respects to Chennamma. Authorities made special traffic and security arrangements along National Highway 373 to facilitate public movement. Barricades were installed near the funeral venue, and police personnel managed the large gathering while allowing members of the public to offer their final respects.
An emotional moment unfolded when Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy bid farewell to his mother before the burial, drawing an emotional response from mourners gathered at the venue.
The funeral concluded with full state honours, marking the final farewell to Chennamma in the presence of family members, political leaders, religious heads and thousands of people.
