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First Official Flag Hoisting: On August 15, Indians across the globe are celebrating the 79th Independence Day, a historic day that marks a significant event of flag hoisting. Every year on Independence Day, the Prime Minister of India hoist the National Flag of India at the Red Fort, India. However, have you ever wondered when and where the first flag hoisting happened on August 15th? We have got you covered.

Where Did India’s First Official Flag Hoisting Take Place On August 15, 1947?

Location Time Role and Significance
Fort St. George, Chennai 5:30 am First official flag hoisting in India
Council House, Delhi 10:30 am Official government ceremony marking power transfer
Princess Park, Delhi Afternoon First public flag hoisting and large citizen celebration
Red Fort, Delhi August 16, 8:30 am Start of the tradition of Independence Day flag hoisting by the PM

 

 
 
 
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Fort St. George, Chennai: The First Dawn Hoisting

The first official flag hoisting occurred at Fort St. George in Chennai, which was formerly known as Madras, at about 5:30 in the morning, when the dawn of independence broke over India, according to the PIB report. The place was an important British administrative headquarters in South India. The grand silk tricolour flag raised there is now enshrined as a national relic in the Fort St. George Museum, reflecting the spirit of freedom for millions of people.

Council House (Parliament House), New Delhi:

Later during the day, at 10:30 am, at the Central Government Ceremony, the national flag hoisting ceremony was formally held at the Council House in New Delhi, which is now known as the Parliament House of India, according to the Flag Foundation of India report. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of free India, hoisted the tricolour. This was a symbolic moment, as Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last British Viceroy and first Governor-General of India, lowered the Union Jack here for the final time.

Princess Park near India Gate, New Delhi: Public Celebration

Then, in the afternoon of August 15, Jawaharlal Nehru also inaugurated the first public hoisting of the flag at Princess Park in front of India Gate in New Delhi, according to the Flag Foundation of India report. This was the first-ever event where thousands of people came out to witness the Tricolour flag being hoisted. As per the report of that time, a wonderful and unusual rainbow spread across the sky as the flag was hoisted, which added more beauty and meaning to the flag hoisting.

Also Read: Independence Day 2025 LIVE: PM Modi Hails Operation Sindoor, Announces Scheme For Youth, Vows GST Reforms In His I-Day Speech

Red Fort, New Delhi: The Start of a Tradition

Every year, the Prime Minister of India raises the flag at the Red Fort on Independence Day. But in 1947, it did not take place on August 15. It happened the very next day, on August 16, 1947, at 8:30 am, according to the Flag Foundation of India report, again under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru. The one-day postponement happened due to official commitments on August 15. The Red Fort is now the symbol of Independence Day festivities, which represents India's resilience of freedom.

Also Read: List Of Countries That Celebrate Independence Day On August 15: It's Not Just India

The above-mentioned key events of the first Indian national flag hoisting events capture the enthusiasm and pride of India's independence celebration on August 15, 1947. The inaugural flag hoisting at Fort St. George was historic, the ceremony in Parliament House was a sign of formal sovereignty, and the celebration in Princess Park was the people's revelry. Lastly, the Red Fort celebration of flag hoisting initiated a tradition that continues till now.