Mahatma Gandhi ashes to be scattered in South Africa

Some of the ashes of Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi are to be scattered at sea off South Africa's coast on Saturday. Gandhi's grand-daughter, Ela Gandhi, told the BBC that a family friend had kept the ashes for decades. They were handed over to the family last year. After Gandhi was assassinated 62 years ago, his ashes were distributed among family, friends and followers. Ashes are customarily scattered over a body of water shortly after cremation. These ashes will be scattered at sea exactly 62 years after his death. Boats carrying about 200 family members and friends will be joined by South African navy vessels in the sea near Durban for the ceremony, Ms Gandhi, who lives in Durban, said. Correspondents say it is difficult to estimate how many people received a portion of Gandhi's ashes after he was cremated in 1948. The majority would probably have been scattered in a river or at sea shortly afterwards, according to Hindu custom.

For Further: news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8486549.stm