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The National flag of India is a powerful symbol of the country’s history and the journey to sovereignty. While both Independence Day and Republic Day include the flag being raised, the act of unfurling it on Republic Day carries a unique and specific meaning, different from the flag-hoisting on Independence Day.
Why Is The Term ‘Unfurl’ Used For Republic Day?
The term "unfurling" is significant because, by 1950, India had already gained independence and was no longer a colony. Republic Day marks the day the Indian Constitution was adopted on January 26, 1950, formally establishing India as a sovereign democratic republic. On January 26, during the Republic Day celebrations, the President of India unfurls the national flag at Kartavya Path (previously known as Rajpath).
Unlike Independence Day, when the flag is raised from the bottom of the pole, on Republic Day, the flag is already in place at the top, and it is simply unfurled. This act symbolizes India’s full independence and self-governance under its own Constitution. It also marks the consolidation of India’s democratic framework and legal system.
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What Is Different With Independence Day?
Independence Day, celebrated on August 15, is when the Prime Minister hoists the flag at the Red Fort in Delhi. Hoisting the flag involves lifting it from the base of the pole, symbolising India’s emergence as a free nation after breaking free from British colonial rule in 1947. On the other hand, the unfurling of the flag on Republic Day signifies a nation already independent and operating under its own laws, following the adoption of its Constitution.
The distinction between hoisting the flag on Independence Day and unfurling it on Republic Day highlights two pivotal moments in India’s history. Independence Day celebrates the struggle and victory for freedom, while Republic Day honours the country’s establishment as a sovereign republic under a democratic Constitution. Together, these occasions represent the transformation of India from a colony to a fully independent republic.
