Harish Kapadia writes:

I am just back from the funeral of late Nawang Gombu, who was cremated at Darjeeling on Thursday, 28th April 2011.

For three days after his death body was kept in the house and prayers were held by Lamas as it is the custom in the Sherpa community. The prayers on the second day was conducted by a large group of Lamas who played drums and recited religious prayers. Next day morning a group of 21 ladies from Ghoom recited very sonorous and moving prayers.

The day of the funeral started early and some of the dignitaries came to pay tributes. The Military establishment at Darjeeling was the first to pay tributes. Wreaths were laid on behalf of many organisations and individuals. The funeral procession started by about 1 pm and after a brief circle reached the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. The body was carried to a specially prepared funeral pyre. The ladies followed it with a slow chant of Om Mane Padme Hum--- the Buddhist Mantra. Col. N Kumar was present to pay tributes inspite his own poor health. He had participated on several major expeditions with Nawang Gombu. To me he was always Gombu ‘daju’ (‘brother’ as Sherpas call him, also as a mark of respect) as I recollected many happy hours spent with him. Gombu had taught mountaineering to almost two generations of Indian mountaineers and there were many amongst them also present. Finally the Police Band gave a salute and played the ‘The Last Post’ followed by ‘The Revilles’.

As the flames leaped towards the sky and lamas chanted prayers, a heavy downpour blessed Mr Gombu -- the heaven was welcoming him! The entire family – his son, daughters and grand children were present. It was a farewell to a great mountaineer, a grand family man and a wonderful soul.

Harish Kapadia