Half-Mast: When and How the Indian Flag Is Flown as a Mark of Mourning
Who decides when the flag flies at half-mast, how it is done correctly, and the special rules for national days and state funerals.
What half-mast means
Flying the flag at half-mast is a sign of national mourning and respect. The flag is lowered to a position roughly half way between the top and the bottom of the staff. In India, the Flag Code describes the procedure, and the decision to fly the flag at half-mast during state mourning is taken by the Government. Members of the public should follow the official announcements made by the Central or State Government rather than deciding on their own to fly the flag at half-mast.
The correct procedure
When the flag is to be flown at half-mast, it should first be hoisted to the peak of the staff and then lowered to the half-mast position. Before it is taken down for the day, it should again be raised to the peak and then lowered fully. This sequence shows that the flag continues to be honoured even while it marks mourning.
Who is honoured in this way
Part III of the Flag Code sets out the occasions for state mourning, for example on the death of the President, the Vice-President, the Prime Minister, and other dignitaries such as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Chief Justice of India, Union Cabinet Ministers, Governors and Chief Ministers. The extent of the mourning, whether throughout India or within a State or the capital, depends on the office held and on government instructions. The Government may also declare state mourning on other occasions.
National days are treated differently
If a death that calls for half-masting occurs on or near certain occasions such as Republic Day, Independence Day, Mahatma Gandhi's birthday or National Week (6 to 13 April), or any other particular day of national rejoicing as specified by the Government, the flag is not flown at half-mast throughout the country on that day, except over the building where the body of the deceased is lying. Even there, the Code sets out that the flag should be raised to full mast when the body is removed from the building. These rules ensure that national celebrations are respected while still honouring the departed.
Flags at funerals
On the occasions of state, military and central para-military force funerals, the flag may be draped over the bier or coffin with the saffron band towards the head. The flag should not be lowered into the grave or burnt in the pyre. After the ceremony the flag is removed and handled with dignity.
A note for schools and housing societies
When state mourning is announced, institutions with a flagstaff should follow the procedure correctly: hoist to the peak, lower to half-mast, and at the end of the day raise to the peak again before lowering. Assigning one trained person and briefing them in advance avoids mistakes. If you are unsure whether state mourning applies to your area, check the official notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs or your State Government.
This article is intended for general educational purposes. For official or legal purposes, please refer to the current Flag Code of India and notifications published by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Spotted an error? Write to info@tirangaourpride.online.