Chennai, Jul 30 (IANS): Usual life will slightly freeze in Tamil Nadu on Thursday with the state government and other sections of the society deciding to down their shutters as a mark of respect to former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, whose last rites will be performed in Rameswaram.

The government said it has decided to declare a public holiday on Thursday, the day of Kalam's funeral, under the Negotiable Instruments Act.

As a result, banks, insurance companies, schools and colleges would remain closed.

The government has also ordered closure of liquor shops and bars throughout the state.

Around 30,000 jewellery shops would also remain closed, while petrol bunks would stop selling for an hour between 10-11 a.m. as a mark of respect for Kalam.

Movie theatre owners too have decided to shut down while fishermen have decided not to venture into the sea.

Political parties like the DMK and the AIADMK have cancelled their functions.

Interestingly, the closure decisions by private sector organisations were voluntary which only goes on to prove that Kalam was truly a "People's President".