Republic Day 2023: Why Does Prime Minister Not Hoist Tricolour Flag And President ‘Unfurls’ It On This Day

Republic Day 2023: The President unfurls the national flag on Republic Day as the first citizen of the country while the Prime Minister hoists the tricolour as the head of the Central government.

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Republic Day 2023: Armed forces parade, air show, tableaux, and cultural performances are some of the main attractions of the Republic Day celebrations in the country which everyone remains eager to watch. But all these come after the national flag is unfurled which marks the commencement of the celebrations. 

The unfurling of the tricolour flag by the President of India is one of the key highlights during the Republic Day celebration at Rajpath in the national capital every year on January 26. But why is it that the Prime Minister ‘hoists’ the national flag on Independence Day and the President ‘unfurls’ it on Republic Day? Let’s read further. 

Why Is The National Flag ‘Unfurled’ On Republic Day?

On Republic Day, the national flag is tied atop the poll to mark the nation’s freedom and that is why the first citizen of the country, the President, unfurls it. Whereas, on Independence Day, the national flag is tied lower on the poll which is then pulled up by the Prime Minister marking the historic day of independence of the country from British rule. 

Why Does The Prime Minister Not Unfurl The Flag On Republic Day? 

The President unfurls the national flag on Republic Day as the first citizen of the country while the Prime Minister hoists the tricolour as the head of the Central government. This is so because, at the time of independence, the Constitution of India had not come into force, and thus the President, who is the constitutional head, had not taken over the office. 

Where Is The Tricolour Flag Unfurled On Republic Day? 

Although the location where the national flag is unfurled on Republic Day and hoisted on Independence Day seems the same, it’s actually the different places which make both occasions distinct and special. On Independence Day, the Prime Minister hoists the flag at the Red Fort while on Republic Day, the President unfurls it at Rajpath in the national capital which is followed by the President's address, parades, and tableaux of various states.