Republic Day 2026 Why the Tricolour Is Unfurled Not Hoisted
On Republic Day the National Flag is unfurled by the President while it is hoisted on Independence Day.
India is all set to celebrate its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, commemorating the day the Constitution came into force in 1950. The occasion brings the nation together through spectacular parades, vibrant state tableaux, breathtaking Air Force flypasts, and cultural performances that showcase the country’s diversity and military strength.
A common point of curiosity every year revolves around the National Flag ceremony: why is the Tricolour “unfurled” on Republic Day instead of “hoisted”? Although the terms are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, they carry distinct meanings in official protocol. Unfurling refers to spreading out a flag that is already tied and positioned at the top of the flagpole, allowing its full colours to be displayed clearly. Hoisting, by contrast, involves raising the flag from the bottom of the pole to the top.
On Republic Day, the President of India performs the unfurling ceremony at Kartavya Path around 9 am, just before the grand parade commences. This is followed by the playing of the national anthem Jana Gana Mana and a traditional 21-gun salute by the Indian Army Regiment of Artillery. The event then transitions into the iconic parade featuring marching contingents, mechanised columns, and colourful representations from across the states and union territories.
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This year’s Republic Day celebrations will feature high-profile chief guests from the European Union: President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. The chosen theme, “Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram” and “Samriddhi ka Mantra: Atma Nirbhar Bharat,” emphasises patriotic pride and the vision of a self-reliant India.
The subtle yet significant difference in flag protocol underscores the unique historical and symbolic importance of each national day—Independence Day marking freedom from colonial rule through the act of raising the flag, and Republic Day honouring the adoption of the Constitution by revealing the already-raised Tricolour in its full glory.
