Chennai’s streets were deserted, shops, commercial establishments and offices were closed to mark the demise of the Chief MinisterJ Jayalalithaa on Monday.
The Tamil Nadu Government has announced a seven-day State mourning from Tuesday. It also declared a State government holiday today. Educational institutions will be closed for three days.
Residents stayed home in most parts of the city, and traffic was sparse with even public transport vehicles off the roads.
Other services such as auto rickshaws and cabs were also off the road.
But the stretch of Anna Salai leading up to the Rajaji Hall was choked with people gathering to pay homage to Jayalalithaa.
Shops, hotels and offices had placed photos of Jayalalithaa, garlanded by the flowers, at the entrance.
The State Government also announced that TASMAC liquor shops will remain closed for three days.
However, suburban, MRTS and metro services were being operated in the city.
Tamil film industry announced suspension of shootings scheduled for Tuesday. Movie theatres also cancelled their shows. Police personnel were seen maintaining vigil at most of the traffic junctions and other vantage points. The entire city was calm.