NEW DELHI: The Government on Monday declared a day's State mourning as a mark of respect to shehnai maestro Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan, who died Varanasi on Monday. The Tricolour was lowered at half-mast and all official entertainment was cancelled. India's most celebrated classical musician was given a State funeral.

President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam led the nation in mourning the legendary Ustad's death. In a message to his son, the President said, "Ustad Bismillah Khan's passing away indeed marks the end of an era in shehnai music. He was a rare jewel and a musician who comes only once in a lifetime. His name and his melodious tunes were a household name throughout the country and brought happiness all around. Everyday, Bismillah Khan's music enters into me and brings peace and gladdens my heart. It will be true to millions of our people. I had many occasions to interact with him and listen to his beautiful music, the last one was just early this year at Rashtrapati Bhavan.''

Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat said the Ustad "brought a rare vibrancy and resplendence to Indian classical music" and in his death, the country had lost an acclaimed musician, a powerful exponent of India's composite cultural values and a fine human being.

Joining the Ustad's fans in mourning his death, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said: "Ustad Bismillah Khan Sahib single-handedly elevated this simple instrument of popular folk music into a famous vehicle of Hindustani classical music." Describing the shehnai maestro as a "true symbol of our composite culture," Dr. Singh said, "Khan saheb, through his mellifluous rendering of the shehnai, showed us all that while God may manifest himself in many forms, piety finds its true expression through music."

Both the houses of Parliament condoled the passing away of the maestro and paid glowing tributes to India's cultural Ambassador.

Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee said the Ustad's love for music transcended the narrow confines of caste, creed and religion and his performances took music to the level of spirituality. Rajya Sabha Chairman B.S. Shekhawat said he represented the secular ethos that reflected the all-pervading `Ganga-Jamuni tehzib' of India.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi said Ustad Bismillah Khan not only contributed to Indian music but was also a shining example of India's composite culture.

The former Prime Minister, A.B. Vajpayee, described the maestro as an "unmatched artiste" whose sensitive rendering of the flute lent new dimensions to classical music.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha L. K. Advani said the world would always remember the Ustad for his dedication towards preserving the great Indian classical music. "His death leaves a void which will be very difficult to fill."

Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh said, "Ustad Bismillah Khan, whose name has become synonymous with shehnai, symbolised the secular ethos of Indian classical music. Though the Ustad is no more with us, the melodious voice of his shehnai will eternally echo in the minds and hearts of humanity."

Home Minister Shivraj Patil said Bismillah Khan's death was "a national loss and we will not be able to replace him." Union Ministers Lalu Prasad and Ambika Soni also mourned the veteran musician's death.

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