In pics: Tributes to Atal Bihari Vajpayee

New Delhi, Aug 16: One of India's tallest leaders, Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee passed away on Thursday, August 16 at 5.05 pm. As the entire nation plunged into sorrow over the passing away of the former prime minister, the government announced a 7 day mourning from August 16 to 22. The government decided that the state funeral for the departed leader would be held at Smriti Sthal, New Delhi at 4 pm.

As the news broke on Thursday, admirers of Atal Bihari Vajpayee paid tribute across the country.

People pay tribute to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during Ganga Aarti, at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi. Students participates in a candlelight vigil to pay tribute to the departed soul.

Gurukul students

Students of Gurukul pay tribute to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in Surat on Friday, August 17, 2018. (PTI Photo)

Lucknow traders

Traders pay homage to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Chowk area, in Lucknow on Friday Aug.17, 2018. (PTI Photo/Nand Kumar)

Shimla Ridge

The national flag flies at half-mast at the Ridge as a mark of respect to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his demise, in Shimla on Friday, August 17, 2018. (PTI Photo)

Schoolchildren in Jammu

Schoolchildren pay tribute to the former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at a school in Jammu on Friday, Aug 17, 2018. (PTI Photo)

Ganga Aarti in Varanasi

People pay tribute to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during Ganga Aarti, at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi on Thursday, Aug 16, 2018. Vajpayee, 93, passed away at AIIMS hospital after a prolonged illness. (PTI Photo)

Tributes in chennai

Students participate in a candlelight vigil to pay tribute to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in Chennai on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018. Vajpayee, 93, passed away at AIIMS hospital after a prolonged illness. (PTI Photo)

Tributes in chennai

Students participate in a candlelight vigil to pay tribute to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Chennai, on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018. Vajpayee, 93, passed away at AIIMS hospital after a prolonged illness. (PTI Photo)