Life virtually came to a grinding halt in Chennai, as the city woke up to deserted streets with shops, including eateries, remaining shut in the wake of the demise of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.
Public transport services, including autorickshaws, were off the roads while some private vehicles were seen plying in various parts of the city where police personnel kept a tight vigil at vantage points.
A near total shutdown like situation prevailed in the city and several other parts of the state.
The focus today turned to Rajaji Hall where the public paid their homage to Jayalalithaa.
With even tea stalls, which usually do a brisk business in the early hours, remaining closed, mobile tea vendors could be seen dispensing the brew at some places. Hotels also remained closed.
Suburban train services being operated in the city witnessed a lower passenger rush.
Long distance trains arriving at Chennai Central and Egmore stations were on time.
The state government declared Tuesday a holiday for its offices and three-days for educational institutions as a mark of respect to the departed leader.
Meanwhile, the Tamil film industry announced cancellation of shootings. Theaters also cancelled shows.
A report from Madurai said the entire temple city mourned Jayalalithaa's death with all shops closed and transport facilities including buses and auto rickshaws off the roads.
"The entire city is calm...silent..," a police official said.
Officials said those who reached Madurai by train and flight took private transport to reach home.
The main bus stands wore a deserted look. Inter-state and long distance government buses bound here from various destinations, including from Kerala and Karnataka, did not arrive as they had been stopped at the borders.
Fishermen colonies mourned the death of Jayalalithaa in Tuticorin, Rameswaram and Kanyakumari.
Police said there were no untoward incidents in the region.
Meanwhile, a report from Coimbatore said all shops, commercial establishments and tourist spots remained closed.
Transport facilities like buses and auto rickshaws stayed off the roads in these districts, where a bandh like situation prevailed, police said.
In Nilgiris district, a few tourists were badly hit due to closure of shops and hotels, they added.
Buses from neighbouring Kerala and Karnataka stopped plying to Tamil Nadu, fearing violence.
AIADMK workers were seen paying homage to the portraits of their "AMMA" by erecting pandals at road sides across these districts, even as adequate police forces were deployed to meet any eventuality.
Much to the relief of police, various Muslim and Hindu outfits have cancelled their demonstrations to protest and celebrate the demolition of Babri Masjid.
