KOCHI: Braving the scorching heat, thousands thronged the final rites ceremony of P Jayachandran in Paravoor, as Kerala bid farewell to the legendary singer. The funeral rites started at 1 pm on Saturday.

After official government honours, the body was brought to Irinjalakuda from the house at Punkunnam at 7:30 in the morning. The body was placed for the public to pay homage at Irinjalakuda National Higher Secondary School, where P Jayachandran completed his primary education. Later, the body was brought to Chennamangalam Paliyath house.

People from all walks of life poured in to have a final glimpse of the iconic singer and pay their last respects. Ministers K Rajan and R Bindu presented the floral wreath on behalf of the state government. Actors including Mammootty visited the house to pay respects.

Jayachandran has been undergoing treatment at Amala Hospital for the past few years due to cancer. P Jayachandran was admitted to the hospital after collapsing at his house in Punkunnam. He died on the ninth day after being admitted to the hospital.