Chennai, Dec 26 (IANS): People along the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu paid a tearful homage Wednesday to victims of the 2004 tsunami that killed around 8,000 people.

On the eighth anniversary of the tragedy, relatives and friends of those who lost their lives held silent rallies and special services in the worst hit Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Chennai and Kanyakumari districts.

They offered milk and flowers at the sea for the departed souls. Fishermen in many hamlets stayed away from fishing as a mark of respect to the victims.

Emotional scenes were witnessed on the Marina Beach here. People offered pots of milk and flowers.
Reminiscing the fateful day, Roopa of the Annai Sathya Government Orphanage in Nagapattinam district told IANS that memories of the giant waves that swallowed their could not be erased easily.

"Even the brave amongst us would break down seeing other children cry," said another student at the orphanage.

A meditation centre built with people's contribution was inaugurated Wednesday in Nagapattinam district.