Bollywood lost one of its most loved stars recently, and on Wednesday morning, 3 December, veteran actor Dharmendra was given a quiet and emotional farewell at one of India’s holiest sites, ‘Har Ki Pauri’ in Haridwar. His ashes were immersed in the river Ganga with full rituals, marking the final chapter of a life that touched generations of film lovers.
Dharmendra’s farewell held with devotion and dignity
The immersion of Dharmendra’s ashes took place in an intimate setting, away from the glare of cameras. The ceremony followed complete religious rites, keeping in line with age-old traditions. According to reports, the Deol family had urged for privacy and requested the media to stay away from the ghat during the rituals.
According to The Free Press Journal, the ashes were kept at Pilibhit House in Haridwar, a 100-year-old mansion located beside the river, where the family stayed ahead of the ceremony. Before heading to the sacred ghat, the family performed essential rituals including a holy dip and pind daan at a nearby ghat next to the guest house.
Significance of ‘Har Ki Pauri’
For countless devotees, ‘Har Ki Pauri’ is one of the most sacred ghats in Haridwar. The name itself means ‘the feet of Lord Vishnu’. According to belief, this is the point where the Ganga leaves the mountains and enters the plains.This ghat is also central to the famous Kumbh Mela and many major religious gatherings. With its ancient steps, evening aarti, and constant flow of pilgrims, Har Ki Pauri holds a special place in spiritual India. Many believe immersing ashes here brings peace to the departed soul and blessings to the family.
Immersion of Dharmendra’s ashes was performed by Karan Deol
Dharmendra’s grandson, Karan Deol, performed the immersion on behalf of the entire family. Priest Rohit Shrotriya, who oversaw the ceremony, shared details of the emotional farewell.He told ANI, “Their family members came here… They wanted to immerse the ashes at Har Ki Pauri, but for some reason, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol could not go, and Dharmendra ji’s grandson Karan (Deol) performed the immersion of the ashes… The ritual of ‘pind daan’ was also performed… Sunny Deol’s entire family, Bobby Deol’s entire family, was involved in this…”Dharmendra’s passing has left a deep void, and the immersion saw the entire family standing together to honour him. Dharmendra is survived by his first wife, Prakash Kaur, his second wife, actress Hema Malini, and his six children, sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, and daughters Vijeta and Ajeita from his first marriage, and daughters Esha Deol and Ahana Deol from his second marriage.Dharmendra was not only a popular hero but a phenomenon. Across the decades, he gave audiences many memorable performances. His roles in ‘Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke’, ‘Sholay’, ‘Chupke Chupke’, ‘Ayee Milan Ki Bela’ and ‘Anupama’ continue to charm viewers even today. His legacy will continue to shine through his films, his family, and the love he leaves behind.
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