Ratan Tata, a towering icon of industry and philanthropy who passed away on Wednesday, will be accorded a state funeral by the Maharashtra government. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who called Tata a "unique blend of morality and entrepreneurship", also declared a day of mourning in the state on Thursday to pay tribute to the industrialist.

The mortal remains of Tata will be kept at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in south Mumbai's Nariman Point from 10.30 am to 4 pm on Thursday for people to pay their respects. At 3.30 pm, his body will be taken to the Worli crematorium for last rites. Home Minister Amit Shah will attend the last rites of Ratan Tata on behalf of the Centre.

The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said the tricolour on government offices in Maharashtra would be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning. There will be no entertainment events as well.