KOTTAYAM: It was late into the night but people swelled inside Karottu Vallakkalil's house. For the locals of Puthupally, coping with the reality was more gruesome than ever. Candles were lit, floral obeisance was done and tears flowed unconditionally; all for their beloved leader Oommen Chandy.

The final funeral procedure was done by celebrant Baselios Marthoma Mathews III. When the rituals got over, the time was well past 1 am at midnight. Yet the crowds were swarming up near the crypt of their own 'Kunjunju', as Oommen Chandy was fondly addressed. The former CM’s son Chandy Oommen stood pivoted near his father from the very start of the funeral journey. Many of the locals reached towards him, with some people hugging him and kissing his forehead as a mark of the love they had for Oommen Chandy. Chandy Oommen returned the love with folded hands.

From Oommen Chandy’s man Friday Sibi Kollad to an auto driver who came all the way from Pala; Rashid from Kondotty; to a lorry driver from Kottayam, people from different places and different communities thronged the church premise just for a final glimpse of their leader. The rush never seemed to slow down and it was nothing short of a touching tribute the leader truly deserved.

As this was the third day of death, a special mass was conducted at the church while sacramental incense prayers took place near his grave. Oommen Chandy was buried on the specific side of the church, where normally priests are buried. The church bypassed the law to honor the former CM who was also an ardent believer. His grave will become a permanent monument. The DCC in Kottayam is planning to erect a statue of Oommen Chandy in Kottayam's Puthupally.