Loved ones mourn 17 lives lost in Gulzar Houz fire; prayers held in silent tribute.
Hyderabad: The Uthavana (third-day ceremony) of the Modi family, the pearl merchants of Gulzar Houz who died in Sunday’s devastating fire accident, was performed at a function hall in Attapur on Tuesday. Grief-stricken relatives and extended family members attended the ceremony, which was marked by a deep, overwhelming sorrow.
The venue fell silent and sombre as family members consoled one another. Photographs of the deceased were placed in front as part of the rituals, accompanied by spiritual recitations and bhajans for the peace of the departed souls. Only close family members participated in the rites.
Several community heads and political leaders visited the venue to pay their respects and offer condolences to the bereaved family. The extended family, still in shock, struggled to come to terms with the enormity of the loss. Women wailed uncontrollably, some collapsing with grief during the ceremony, which lasted for nearly three hours. The family did not make any public statement about the tragedy.
The horrific fire at their shop-cum-residence on Sunday claimed the lives of 17 members of the Modi family. The tragedy has cast a pall of gloom over the entire neighbourhood. While pearl merchants and shopkeepers in the Gulzar Houz market, who had shut their shops on Monday in solidarity, resumed business on Tuesday, the market looked dull and remained subdued.
