A wave of grief swept across Kotkapura on Monday as three Kanwariyas (pilgrims), who lost their lives in a fatal road accident near Sirhind while returning from Gangotri on Jattvibeday, were cremated here.​The mortal remains of the deceased were brought to their hometown early in the morning, where heartbroken family members, relatives, and local residents gathered in large numbers to pay their last respects. Slogans praising Lord Shiva echoed through the air amidst tears as the final rites were performed at the local cremation ground.The victims were returning from their holy pilgrimage to Gangotri when the vehicle they were traveling in met with a severe accident near Sirhind. While three pilgrims died on the spot, others injured in the crash were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.​Representatives from various social, religious, and political organisations turned up to offer condolences to the aggrieved families. Expressing profound sorrow over the tragic demise, local leaders and social workers paid rich tributes to the departed souls and demanded adequate financial support and medical relief for the victims’ families from the administration.​A heavy pall of gloom hangs over the town, with shops in the immediate neighbourhood remaining closed as a mark of respect for the deceased pilgrims. Local authorities have assured full support to the bereaved families.