Independence Day vs Republic Day: Flag Hoisting and Flag Unfurling Explained
Why the Prime Minister hoists the flag on 15 August while the President unfurls it on 26 January, and how these two national days are celebrated.
Two days, two meanings
India celebrates two major national days with the national flag at the centre. Independence Day on 15 August marks the end of British rule in 1947. Republic Day on 26 January marks the coming into force of the Constitution of India in 1950, when India became a sovereign democratic republic. The flag is honoured on both days, but the ceremonies are traditionally described differently.
Hoisting on Independence Day
On Independence Day, the Prime Minister hoists the national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi. In a hoisting, the flag is tied at the bottom of the pole and raised to the top before it unfurls. This act is commonly explained as symbolising the rise of a new nation, freed from colonial rule. After the flag is hoisted, the national anthem is played and the Prime Minister addresses the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Across the country, Chief Ministers hoist the flag in their State capitals and citizens hold ceremonies in schools, offices and neighbourhoods.
Unfurling on Republic Day
On Republic Day, the President of India unfurls the flag at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. In an unfurling, the flag is already at the top of the pole, folded or rolled, and is opened by pulling the rope. This is commonly explained as reflecting that India was already free, and on this day it celebrated its Constitution. The ceremony is followed by the national anthem, a 21-gun salute and the grand Republic Day parade, which showcases the armed forces, the cultural diversity of States and the achievements of the nation. Governors unfurl the flag in State capitals.
Who leads the ceremony and why
The Prime Minister, as the head of government, leads the Independence Day ceremony, which recalls the political struggle for freedom. The President, as the constitutional head of state, leads the Republic Day ceremony, which celebrates the Constitution. These roles mirror the structure of India's parliamentary democracy.
Other traditions
Independence Day is associated with kite flying in many parts of North India, cultural programmes in schools, and the Prime Minister's speech. Republic Day is followed by the Beating Retreat ceremony on 29 January at Vijay Chowk, which marks the formal end of the Republic Day celebrations. Both days are national holidays, and the flag is displayed widely on homes, offices and vehicles of dignitaries.
Celebrating at home
You can mark either day by hoisting or displaying the flag at home following the Flag Code, singing the national anthem together, reading the Preamble of the Constitution on Republic Day, or watching the official ceremonies with your family. Talking with children about the difference between the two days helps them understand that freedom and the Constitution go hand in hand.
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.