26 January Flag Rules: How to Hoist the Tricolour at Home Correctly

Today, January 26, 2026, the entire nation is searching for “Flag Hoisting” as India celebrates its 77th Republic Day. However, did you know that the National Flag is technically not hoisted on Republic Day?

At 10:30 AM this morning, President Droupadi Murmu arrived at the saluting dais at Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath). Instead of pulling the flag up from the bottom, she pulled a string to open the Tricolour which was already tied at the top. This process is called “Flag Unfurling.”

If you are confused between “Hoisting” and “Unfurling,” or if you want to know the rules for flying the flag at your home today, here is a simple breakdown of today’s ceremony and the correct protocols.

The Big Difference: Hoisting (Aug 15) vs Unfurling (Jan 26)

This is the most asked question every year. While we loosely use the term “Flag Hoisting” for both days, there is a major historical and technical difference.

Read more: Republic Day 2026

1. Independence Day (August 15) = “Flag Hoisting”

• Action: The flag is tied at the bottom of the pole. The Prime Minister pulls a rope to raise it to the top, and then it is flown.
• Symbolism: This represents the “Rise of a New Nation”—lifting India out of colonial rule in 1947.
• Location: Red Fort (Lahori Gate).

2. Republic Day (January 26) = “Flag Unfurling”

• Action: The flag is already tied at the top of the pole in a bundle of flowers. The President simply pulls the string to open (unfurl) it.
• Symbolism: This represents that India is already a free nation, and we are now celebrating our Constitution and Principles.
• Location: Kartavya Path (Rajpath).

Highlights of Today’s Ceremony (Jan 26, 2026)

Today’s flag unfurling was a spectacular sight. Here are the key moments from the morning:

• The Arrival: President Murmu arrived in the traditional horse-drawn buggy, escorted by the President’s Bodyguard.
• The Salute: As the President unfurled the Tricolour, the National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana) was played, accompanied by a thunderous 21-Gun Salute fired by the 1721 Ceremonial Battery using indigenous 105mm Indian Field Guns.
• Flower Shower: Immediately after, four Mi-17 1V helicopters showered flower petals over the audience in the “Dhwaj Formation.”

Flag Code 2026: Rules for Your Home

If you are flying the Tricolour at your home or society today, ensure you follow the Flag Code of India:

1. Position: The Saffron band must always be at the top. Displaying it upside down is an offence.
2. Condition: Do not use a damaged, torn, or dirty flag.
3. Height: No other flag (religious or political) should be placed higher than or equal to the National Flag.
4. Disposal: Do not throw the flag on the ground or in the dustbin after the celebration. If the flag is damaged, it must be destroyed in private (usually by burning) with dignity.

Why the President, Not the PM?

On Independence Day (1947), India did not have a President; Lord Mountbatten was the Governor-General. Hence, PM Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the flag. However, on January 26, 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad became India’s first President. As the Constitutional Head of State, it is the President’s exclusive right to lead the Republic Day celebrations, while the Prime Minister leads Independence Day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)