The last rites of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will take place at Rashtriya Smriti Sthal in Delhi, sources in the government said. The government has earmarked a 1.5 acre plot for his memorial. The body of the BJP veteran will be kept at his official residence 6 A Krishna Menon Marg tonight to allow people to pay their homage. It would be taken to the BJP headquarters at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg tomorrow morning, the sources said.


The government today announced seven-day state mourning as a mark of respect for the former prime minister.


In a circular, the Home Ministry also said national flag would be flown at half mast from today for seven days across India and a state funeral would be accorded to Vajpayee. "As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, it has been decided that seven days of state mourning will be observed throughout India from August 16-22, both days inclusive.


"During this period, the national flag will be flown at half mast throughout India where it is regularly flown and there will be no official entertainment during the period of the state mourning," the Home Ministry said.Vajpayee passed away at the AIIMS here this evening at the age of 93 due to prolonged illness. -- PTI