More Than a Tradition: The Hidden Protocol Behind 26th January 2026, Republic Day’s Flag Ceremony
The Republic Day ceremony at Rajpath starts at 10:30 AM, and its organizers often refer to it as flag hoisting, but this description contains some inaccuracies. Most people use the phrase “hoist the tricolor” to describe both January 26 and August 15, yet official documents, together with the Constitution, follow different rules regarding flag procedures.
On Independence Day, the flag is raised from the bottom, symbolizing the beginning of the nation’s existence. On Republic Day, however, the tricolor remains secured to the pole until it is unfurled by the President. This ceremonial practice, established by the Constitution, honors the nation and reminds citizens that India already possesses full independence.
Historical events define every second, from the flag display to the first gun salute. The next time you watch, notice it: what seems like a simple tradition is actually a fascinating choreography of law, history, and ceremony.
| Date | Term | Procedure | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 August | Flag Hoisting | Flag is raised from the ground up | Marks the birth of a free nation |
| 26 January | Flag Unfurling | Flag is already tied at the top; President pulls the rope to unfurl it | Celebrates India’s Constitution and existing freedom |
President’s ceremonial route: Time is allotted for the convoy from Rashtrapati Bhavan to Rajpath.
10:25 AM: Arrival of the Prime Minister and chief guest.
10:30 AM: Flag unfurling by the President and singing of the National Anthem.
10:31 AM: 21-gun salute marking the formal start of the parade.
10:32 AM: Parade Commander receives permission to begin the march-past.
Reason for timing: Ensures clear skies for the flypast and optimal visibility for photography, videography, and live broadcasts worldwide.
The historical importance of Republic Day celebrations extends back to their original starting time. The Constitution of India became effective on 26 January 1950. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who served as India’s first President, took his oath of office at 10:24 AM. The tricolor flag was first raised at 10:30 AM, which marked India’s official announcement as a sovereign democratic republic. The flag unfurling, which takes place at 10:30 AM every Republic Day today, serves as a memorial to that significant event in Indian history. The timing of the event demonstrates how the nation developed from its beginnings to reach its current state and shows how the Constitution continues to be important.
(With Inputs From PTI)
Also Read: Google Gemini Guide: How To Create Unique Republic Day Images, Selfies, And
Aishwarya is a journalism graduate with over three years of experience thriving in the buzzing corporate media world. She’s got a knack for decoding business news, tracking the twists and turns of the stock market, covering the masala of the entertainment world, and sometimes her stories come with just the right sprinkle of political commentary. She has worked with several organizations, interned at ZEE and gained professional skills at TV9 and News24, And now is learning and writing at NewsX, she’s no stranger to the newsroom hustle. Her storytelling style is fast-paced, creative, and perfectly tailored to connect with both the platform and its audience. Moto: Approaching every story from the reader’s point of view, backing up her insights with solid facts.
Always bold with her opinions, she also never misses the chance to weave in expert voices, keeping things balanced and insightful. In short, Aishwarya brings a fresh, sharp, and fact-driven voice to every story she touches.
Novak Djokovic broke Roger Federer’s long-standing record as he received a walkover in the fourth…
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 26: The evening saw the presence of Deepika Singh, Jayati Bhatia,…
A Pakistani court has sentenced human rights activist and lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband…
