Former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal yesterday, the Centre announced that state mourning will be observed across India as a mark of respect to the veteran politician.
The two-day state mourning will be observed from April 26 to 27. On the days of mourning, the national flag will be flown at half mast and there will be no official entertainment, the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a communication to all state.
Know when Flag should flown at half-mast in India
In India, the national flag is flown at half-mast as a sign of state mourning. This is done as a mark of respect and tribute to a national leader, dignitary, or any other notable personality who has passed away. The Indian flag is a tricolour with saffron on top, white in the middle, and green at the bottom, with a navy blue wheel with 24 spokes called the Ashoka Chakra in the center.
According to the Flag Code of India, 2002, the flag should be flown at half-mast on the following occasions:
Death of the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Chief Justice of India, or a serving Cabinet Minister.
Death of a Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister, a former Prime Minister, Supreme Court Judge, or a Union Minister.
Death of a distinguished citizen or a foreign dignitary.
When the flag is flown at half-mast, it should be hoisted to the top of the pole first and then slowly lowered to the half-mast position, where it should be kept till sunset. It should then be raised again to the top of the pole before it is lowered for the day.