Republic Day 2025: Why does the president unfurl the flag on January 26, not the prime minister?

India is getting ready to celebrate its 76th Republic Day on Sunday, January 26, marking the historic adoption of the Constitution in 1950. In this regard, President Droupadi Murmu will unfurl the national flag at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. The event is quite different from the celebration of Independence Day on August 15, in which the Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag. Note that there are two methods of showing the national flag, and they include unfurling and hoisting.

Key difference between hoisting and unfurling

Hoisting a flag means raising it from the base of the pole to the top, which allows it to wave freely in the wind. The Prime Minister pulls the flag upward to its peak as the national anthem plays.

It represents the country’s hard-earned freedom and the sacrifices made by the national leaders during the independence movement.

On the contrary, unfurling means unfolding the flag that is already attached to a rope at the top of the pole. The President pulls a cord to release the flag, which is then accompanied by a shower of flowers.

This represents India’s commitment to constitutional values and democracy.

Why president unfurls flag on Jan 26 and not PM?

The President of India unfurls the flag on Republic Day every year as the president is the ceremonial head of the state and the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces.

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It further reflects the nation’s unity and sovereignty under the president’s leadership.

On the contrary, the prime minister leads the government of India and is the head of government, hence does not perform this role on Republic Day.

The protocols for Republic Day celebrations, including the flag unfurling, are part of the established ceremonial roles in India, however, there is no such single document that clearly states this.

Republic Day 2025: Why does the president unfurl the flag on January 26, not the prime minister?