Kerala observes State mourning following demise of Qatar’s former ruler Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

Kerala is observing State mourning on Monday (July 13, 2026) following the demise of Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the father Amir of the State of Qatar, in accordance with directions issued by the Union government, officials said. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir of the State of Qatar, passed away on Sunday. The Kerala government issued instructions to all departments and district authorities to observe the mourning, officials said. As part of the observance, the national flag is being flown at half-mast at all places where it is regularly flown, in accordance with the Flag Code of India. The government, through an order, directed that there shall be no official entertainment or celebratory State functions during the period of mourning. District Collectors have been instructed to notify all offices within their jurisdiction where the national flag is flown and ensure strict compliance with the directives, the order said. Heads of departments and other competent authorities have also been asked to take immediate steps to implement the instructions.