New Delhi, Dec 6 : India will observe five-day state mourning from Dec 6 to 10 as a mark of respect to Nelson Mandela, the government announced Friday.

"During the state mourning, the national flag will be flown at half-mast from Dec 6 to 10 throughout the country and there will be no official entertainment," said an official statement.

The decision was taken by the cabinet here.

Nobel Laureate and anti-apartheid icon Mandela, who served as president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, died Thursday at the age of 95. India honoured him with Bharat Ratna as well.(IANS)