Know what is the meaning of national mourning day, the flag rules on it and state funeral in India as the country pays tribute to singer Lata Mangeshkar
Sunday saw India rocked by the news of singer Lata Mangeshkar dying from multiple organ failure after spending a month at the Beach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. And as the entire country stood in solidarity to pay tribute to the legendary singer, the Indian government spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a two day period of national mourning.
The gargantuan singer was also accorded a state funeral with Maharashtra declaring a public holiday to honour the Padma Shri and Bharat Ratna holder. A seven day period of national mourning was last announced by the Central Government after the demise of previous Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee who was also accorded a state funeral.
What Happens During National Mourning Day And State Funeral In India And Meaning
National mourning is a symbolic gesture to pay tribute and express grief for a national tragedy and honouring a person who was held in high esteem in the country owing to his or her body of work.
A state funeral is a public funeral procession which was initially only given to Prime Ministers, State Chief Ministers and Union Ministers (previous or currently holding a position in office) by the Union government. The rules was then changed with the honour being reserved for personalities who have worked for the country and achieved gargantuan laurels with the state government deciding on it.
- The casket bearing the body of deceased is draped in the Indian flag.
- According to the ‘Flag Code Of India’, the national flag is flown at half mast but before it is raised to the top of the mast and then lowered.
- The departed soul is honoured with a gun salute.
- National or state mourning is declared.
- Public holiday is announced.