Republic Day 2024: India is all ready to celebrate Republic Day on January 26. This year, India is commemorating its 75th Republic Day, marking the adoption of the constitution on January 26, 1950, and the attainment of sovereignty. The constituent assembly held its first session in December 1946 and the last session in November 1949, following which the constitution was enacted a year later with Dr BR Ambedkar as the head of the drafting committee.

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This year, the themes will reflect the ideas of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Bharat - Loktantra ki Matruka’, emphasising India’s role as a nurturer of democracy. The Republic Day Parade is set to commence at 10:30 AM today, following the route from Vijay Chowk to Kartavya Path. The parade at the Kartavya Path will be 'women-centric', indicating the roles played by women in various sectors.

As President Droupadi Murmu will unfurl the tricolour shortly, let's look at the subtle yet significant differences in how the flag is presented on Republic Day and Independence Day in India.

Difference Between Unfurling And Hoisting Flag

The differences lie in the placement of the flag. Hoisting is pulling a flag up a pole with a halyard while unfurling reveals a folded or rolled-up flag fastened to a rope.

What Does It Mean To Unfurl Flag

The formal constitution of India was not enacted until January 26, 1950. The Constitution was ratified three years after India gained its independence. Thus, the flag that is already atop a pole is unfurled by the President, who serves as the ceremonial head of state, on Republic Day. Unfurling a flag means to spread out the flag which is rolled up or folded.

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What Does Hoisting Flag Mean

The difference between unfurling and hoisting can be better understood if one understands the history behind the Independence Day celebrations. On August 15, 1947, the day when India got its independence from the British Empire, then Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru pulled down the British flag and raised the Indian flag in its place. Thus, the hoisting of the flag on Independence Day symbolises the rise of a new nation, patriotism, and freedom from colonial rule.


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