The body of musician Amber Gurung, who breathed his last at Dhapasi-based Grande Hospital in the wee hours of Tuesday morning, has been brought to Pashupati Aryaghat for last rites. Gurung’s mortal remains will be cremated with  state honours.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Bhim Rawal reached Pashupatinath area and draped the national flag over Gurung’s body. A contingent of the Nepal Army offered a final salute.

Gurung's body procession began from the hospital at 9:55 am today. His body was kept on the premises of Academy Hall in Kamladi until 3 pm before taking it to Pashupati for cremation. People from varoius walks of life offered their tributes to Gurung at Kamladi.  

Gurung was the founding vice chancellor of Nepal Academy of Music and Drama.

Along with the National Anthem ‘Sayaun Thunga Fulka Hami’, Gurung had composed more than a 1,000 songs, including the era-defining numbers Nau Lakhe Tara and Rato Ra Chandra Surya. Gurung was also a lyricist and singer.

Gurung, 78, had long been suffering from diabetes and Parkinson's disease.

After undergoing a treatment at the Medanta Hospital in New Delhi, Gurung had returned to Nepal on March 30 this year, before being admitted to the Grande Hospital on May 30.

Gurung was brought to the hospital a week ago after he started vomiting immediately after eating.