Why Is National Flag Hoisted On Independence And Unfurled On Republic Day.

 

Why Is National Flag Hoisted On Independence And Unfurled On Republic Day.

Every year on August 15th, India celebrates Independence Day, a national holiday that commemorates the country’s liberation from British colonial rule. This day marks a significant milestone in India’s history, symbolizing the end of nearly two centuries of British dominance and the beginning of a new era of freedom and self-governance.

This year, India is celebrating its 78th Independence Day on August 15, a day marked by immense pride, vigor, and zeal across the country. On this significant occasion, we honor the memory of the freedom fighters who valiantly struggled for our nation’s independence. People all over India organize cultural programs, seminars, and events to pay tribute to these brave souls who sacrificed their lives for the freedom we cherish today.

An interesting aspect of the Independence Day celebrations is the “flag hoisting” ceremony, a term often confused with “flag unfurling.” Although these terms are commonly interchanged, they represent distinct practices in presenting the national flag. On Independence Day, the flag is hoisted from a lower position to the top of the flagpole, symbolizing the country’s rise to freedom. In contrast, on Republic Day, the flag is unfurled as it is already positioned at the top of the flagpole, signifying the nation’s established sovereignty under the Constitution.

Understanding this subtle yet significant difference enhances our appreciation of how India’s national identity is celebrated through these two pivotal national holidays.

Difference between unfurling and hoisting the flag

The crucial difference lies in how the tricolour is positioned during the two ceremonies. On Independence Day, the flag is positioned at the bottom of the pole and is raised (hoisted) by the Prime Minister, from the bottom to the top.

On Republic Day, the flag is folded or rolled up and attached to the top of the pole. It is then unveiled (unfurled) by the President, who does so without pulling it up.

Why Is National Flag Hoisted On Independence And Unfurled On Republic Day.

Why the flag is hoisted and not unfurled on Independence Day?

On Independence Day, the Prime Minister hoists the flag from the bottom of the pole. Flag hoisting on this day often includes a ceremonial event with a military or civilian honour guard raising the flag while the national anthem is played. The hoisting on Independence Day symbolises the rise of a new nation, patriotism, and freedom from colonial rule.

Post a commentOn Republic Day, the flag is unfurled by the President and it remains closed and tied at the top of the flagpole. The flag is unfolded by the President without pulling it up. Republic Day marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950

The difference between the hoisting of the national flag on Independence Day and its unfurling on Republic Day in India is symbolic and reflects the distinct significance of these two national holidays.

Independence Day (August 15) – Hoisting the Flag:

• Historical Context: On August 15, 1947, India gained independence from British rule. The first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi to mark the country’s freedom.
• Symbolism: The act of hoisting the flag on Independence Day signifies the country’s rise as a newly independent nation. The flag is typically raised from a lower position to the top of the flagpole, symbolizing the nation’s victory and the end of colonial rule.

Republic Day (January 26) – Unfurling the Flag:

• Historical Context: Republic Day celebrates the day when the Constitution of India came into effect on January 26, 1950, making India a sovereign republic. Unlike Independence Day, Republic Day marks the adoption of the Constitution and the transition to a republic.
• Symbolism: On Republic Day, the national flag is unfurled rather than hoisted. The flag is already at the top of the flagpole and is simply unfurled. This reflects that the nation is now independent, sovereign, and established with its own Constitution.

Key Differences:

• Independence Day: The flag is hoisted, symbolizing the nation taking control of its destiny.
• Republic Day: The flag is unfurled, symbolizing the nation already being in a position of power and celebrating its constitutional values.