Sai Baba's demise: Andhra Pradesh declares 4-day state mourning

Andhra Pradesh government today declared a four-day State Mourning for Sri Sathya Sai Baba, who died in Puttaparthi in Ananthapur district today.

The last rites of the Sai Baba will be performed with state honours, a state government release said. Baba will be buried at the Sai Kulwant Hall in Prashanti Nilayam on Wednesday morning.

A government release said a State Mourning till Wednesday has been announced as a tribute to the departed dignitary.

"The chief minister has also announced that the last rites will be performed with State Honours. He also declared Wednesday a holiday for Anantapur District," the release said.

Chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy expressed grief over the demise of Sai Baba and recalled the "unparalleled services rendered by him to the humanity in myriad ways which are beyond description."

"Sri Sai Baba is a symbol of love, affection and passion. Sri Satya Sai Baba has given his great self to service of humanity in the form of various services not only to our State, our country but also to the entire world," he said in his condolence message.

"He will be remembered for ages to come by all sections of people all over the world," the Chief Minister added.