Who Hoists the National Flag at the Main Republic Day Celebration in India?

Republic Day is one of the most important national festivals of India, celebrated every year on 26 January. On this historic day in 1950, the Constitution of India came into effect, and the country officially became a republic. The grand Republic Day celebrations held at Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath), New Delhi, are watched by millions across the nation and around the world. One of the most frequently asked questions about this ceremony is: Who hoists the national flag at the main Republic Day celebration?

The President of India Hoists the National Flag

At the main Republic Day celebration in New Delhi, the President of India hoists the national flag. As the constitutional head of the country, the President represents the sovereignty, unity, and democratic spirit of India. When the President unfurls the tricolour, it symbolizes the authority of the Constitution and the values on which the Republic stands.

This tradition is strictly followed every year. Unlike Independence Day, where the Prime Minister hoists the national flag, Republic Day places this honor with the President because the occasion marks the adoption of the Constitution, under which the President holds office.

Why the President Hoists the Flag on Republic Day

The reason the President hoists the flag on Republic Day is deeply rooted in India’s constitutional framework. The President is the Head of State and the supreme commander of the armed forces. Republic Day commemorates the day when India began governing itself under its own Constitution, making the President the most appropriate authority to perform this ceremonial duty.

The act of flag hoisting by the President reflects:

• The supremacy of the Constitution
• Democratic governance
• Unity of the nation
• Respect for constitutional institutions

How the Republic Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony Takes Place

On the morning of 26 January, the President arrives at Kartavya Path in a ceremonial procession, accompanied by the Prime Minister. After the national anthem is played, the President unfurls the national flag, followed by a 21-gun salute.

This is followed by:

• A grand parade by the Indian Armed Forces
• Display of military strength and discipline
• Tableaux representing different states and ministries
• Cultural performances showcasing India’s diversity

The ceremony concludes with aerial displays by the Indian Air Force, filling the sky with patriotic pride.

Difference Between Republic Day and Independence Day Flag Hoisting

Many people confuse the two ceremonies, but there is a clear distinction:

• Republic Day (26 January):
  • Flag is hoisted by the President of India
  • Celebrates adoption of the Constitution
• Independence Day (15 August):
  • Flag is hoisted by the Prime Minister of India
  • Celebrates freedom from British rule

Another symbolic difference is that on Independence Day, the Prime Minister hoists the flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort, while on Republic Day, the President unfurls the flag at Kartavya Path.

Role of the Chief Guest on Republic Day

Every year, India invites a foreign head of state or government as the Chief Guest for Republic Day. While the Chief Guest holds a place of honor and sits beside the President during the parade, they do not hoist the national flag. The responsibility remains exclusively with the President of India.

Significance of Flag Hoisting on Republic Day

The hoisting of the national flag on Republic Day is not just a ceremonial act. It represents:

• India’s constitutional sovereignty
• Respect for democratic values
• Unity in diversity
• Pride in the nation’s achievements

For citizens, it serves as a reminder of their duties and responsibilities toward the nation.

Conclusion

In summary, the President of India hoists the national flag at the main Republic Day celebration in New Delhi. This tradition reflects the importance of the Constitution and the role of the President as the Head of State. The moment is a powerful symbol of India’s democratic strength, constitutional governance, and national unity.

As the tricolour rises and the national anthem echoes across Kartavya Path, it reminds every Indian of the values, sacrifices, and vision that define the Republic of India.

Q1. Who hoists the national flag on Republic Day in India?
The President of India hoists the national flag at the main Republic Day celebration in New Delhi.

Q2. Why does the President hoist the flag on Republic Day?
Because Republic Day marks the adoption of the Constitution, and the President is the constitutional head of India.

Q3. Who hoists the flag on Independence Day?
The Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag on Independence Day at the Red Fort.

Q4. Does the Chief Guest hoist the flag on Republic Day?
No, the Chief Guest does not hoist the flag; this responsibility belongs only to the President.