New Delhi: The national flag has been flown at half-mast at Rashtrapati Bhavan following the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The former Prime Minister died at the age of 92. The Government of India has cancelled all the programs scheduled for today and declared 7 days of national mourning. Dr. Manmohan Singh's funeral will be held with full state honours.

What is state mourning, who can declare it?

When a big leader, artist or a person who has done important work for the nation in his lifetime dies, then state mourning is declared on his demise. Earlier, the President had the right to declare state mourning. The President used to declare state mourning on the advice of the central government, but after the change in rules, now this right is also with the states. Many times the central and state governments declare separate state mourning. 

Is there a government holiday on state mourning?

There is no holiday in any school or government institution when state mourning is declared. In the 1997 notification of the Central Government, it was said that there will be no government holiday during state mourning. According to the rules, when a President or Prime Minister dies while in office, then in that situation a government holiday will be declared. However, the Central or State Government can declare a holiday if they want. 

What happens during state mourning?

According to the Flag Code of India Rules, during state mourning, the national flag hoisted at important government offices including the Legislative Assembly and the Secretariat is flown at half-mast. Apart from this, no formal or government program is organized. During this period, official entertainment is also prohibited. Only special work is done during this period. 

How many days does state mourning last?

There is no limit on the number of days of state mourning. Governments declare state mourning as per their discretion. For example, when former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee died, seven days of state mourning was declared. Whereas when former Defence Minister and former Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav died, three days of state mourning was declared.