We debated over using this picture sourced from poet, writer, screen writer, film director Leena Manimekalai's Facebook page, since it is after all a very private moment of a very public figure.

But the sheer poetry, the grace and beauty of the moment won over.

Danseuse Mallika Sarabhai says her final goodbye to her mother Mrinalini who passed away yesterday, in the way she knows best -- through dance -- in what is easily one of the most poignant images of death and parting.
Seated to the left of the picture wearing a white waistcoat and blue kurta is Mallika's daughter.

The Indian Express reported that Mrinalini Sarabhai was "draped in a red saree, black strapped large-dial watch on left wrist, a large bindi on forehead and ghungroo on her feet all her signatures.

"Her body lay on the dance floor of the Darpana academy she had founded in 1949.

"In a befitting tribute, her last journey started from the Darpana Academy dance floor with Mallika performing to Krishna Nee Begane Baro, a popular Carnatic composition in praise of Lord Krishna "

The pyre was lit by Mallika and her brother Kartikeya.

Sarabhai, to many an epitome of grace and impeccable taste, was traditional yet contemporary in her work and she had a keen eye for dance aesthetics, say Indian dance icons, for whom the late danseuse -- lovingly called Amma -- will continue to be an inspiration.

In the words of her daughter, "Mrinalini Sarabhai has just left for her eternal dance." Mrinalini breathed her last on Thursday morning in Ahmedabad following age-related health complications. The Padma Bhushan awardee was 97.