Here Is Why President Unfurls National Flag On Republic Day

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu will lead the nation in celebrating Republic Day from Kartavya Path in New Delhi on Thursday. But will she ‘unfurl’ or ‘hoist’ the national flag before other functions begin?

All those familiar with the English language obviously know the dictionary meaning of ‘hoisting’ and ‘unfurling.’ But very often, in the course of conversation, we tend to use the two words to mean the same thing when it comes to our Republic Day and Independence Day as if there is no difference.

The two terms, however, are very different and have starkly different meanings and symbolism:

On August 15, the flag is tied to the bottom of the pole. It is lifted up to the top and then hoisted to symbolise the struggle for independence while lifting it up the pole and then celebrating independence by hoisting it. (Hoist means to pull something up with a rope).

While on January 26, India became an independent republic. So, the flag is already on top now, free from the clutches of years of foreign occupation. Thus the flag is tied to the top of the pole and not at the bottom as on August 15. Hence the flag is unfurled.

While the Prime Minister hoists the national flag at the Red Fort in New Delhi on Independence Day, this honour is reserved for the first citizen because at the time of Independence, the Constitution had not been adopted and the President, who is the constitutional head, had not taken office then.

The unfurling of the Tricolour at Rajpath in the national capital will be followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute. This time, a 21-gun salute will be given with 105-mm Indian Field Guns replacing the vintage 25-pounder gun, which reflects the growing ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence.

This year, 23 tableaux, giving a sneak peek into the rich and diverse culture of the country, from 17 states and union territories will take part in the parade, while six tableaux will be from different ministries and departments.