Manmohan Singh’s ashes immersed in Yamuna River; Congress a no show

The ashes of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were immersed in the Yamuna River near Majnu ka Tila Gurdwara, following Sikh customs. Singh’s wife, Gursharan Kaur, and their three daughters—Upinder Singh, Daman Singh, and Amrit Singh—along with other close family members participated in the ritual at the ‘Asht Ghat’ on the riverbank. The immersion marked a key part of the Sikh final rites, a tradition that involves the disposal of the ashes in a sacred body of water.

The ashes were collected from Nigambodh Ghat earlier in the morning. Nigambodh Ghat, one of Delhi's most prominent cremation sites, had also hosted Singh’s state funeral on December 28. Singh, who passed away on December 26 at the age of 92 due to age-related health complications, was accorded a full state funeral with official honors. The immersion of his ashes is an integral step in the final rites for Sikhs.

Following the immersion, the family is set to conduct further religious ceremonies. An ‘Akhand Path’, the uninterrupted reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, will take place at the family’s official residence on 3, Motilal Nehru Marg in New Delhi on January 1. The ceremony is a traditional way to honor the deceased in Sikh culture. Additionally, on January 3, the family will hold a ‘bhog’ ceremony, which involves the completion of the Akhand Path, as well as the ‘Antim Ardas’ (final prayers) and a ‘kirtan’ (devotional singing) at Rakab Ganj Gurdwara, near the Parliament complex.

Singh’s contributions to India’s economy were monumental, particularly during his tenure as Finance Minister in the early 1990s, when he played a pivotal role in liberalizing the Indian economy. As Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, he oversaw significant economic reforms, global engagement, and infrastructure development. Singh’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian politics, where his economic policies and leadership style garnered both respect and criticism.

The immersion ceremony, however, has been subject to political discussion. BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa expressed disappointment over the absence of any member from the Gandhi family during the ashes immersion. Sirsa remarked, “It’s a sad moment for all of us. However, it’s true that no one was there from the Gandhi family today… Today, when there was no camera, there was no one from Congress.” He further emphasized Singh’s respect across political parties. The absence of Congress leaders during the immersion ceremony was noted by several, but no official statement has been issued from the party regarding the matter. The family will continue with the rites, with the immersion marking a significant step in honoring Singh’s memory. The ongoing ceremonies reflect the deep respect for Singh’s leadership and legacy within his family and across India.