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We have always celebrated 15 August and 26 January with great excitement since childhood. In schools, we remember the tricolor flag, flag ceremonies, the national anthem, and sweet laddoos. But have you ever wondered why the Prime Minister hoists the flag from the Red Fort on 15 August, while on 26 January the President hoists the flag at Rajpath?
This is not just a tradition. There is an important constitutional reason behind it. Let’s understand why.
According to the Constitution: “Prime Minister vs President”
India became independent on 15 August 1947. At that time, our Constitution was not in effect. The head of the government was the Prime Minister, so the Prime Minister hoisted the flag at the Red Fort on Independence Day.
But on 26 January 1950, the Constitution came into effect and India became a Republic. According to the Constitution, the President is the constitutional head of the country and is considered the first citizen. That is why the President is given the right to hoist the flag on Republic Day.
What History Says
On 15 August 1947, India did not have a President. The highest authority was the Governor-General, who represented the British government.
Therefore, on the day of independence, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the Prime Minister, hoisted the tricolor at the Red Fort.
After the Constitution was implemented on 26 January 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad became India’s first President and hoisted the flag on Republic Day. Since then, this tradition continues.
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Difference Between “Flag Hoisting” and “Flag Unfurling”
The difference is not only about who hoists the flag, but also the way it is done:
15 August: Flag Hoisting
On Independence Day, the flag is pulled up from the bottom using a rope and then hoisted. This symbolizes the birth of a new nation.
26 January: Flag Unfurling
On Republic Day, the flag is already tied at a height with decorations and flowers. The President only pulls the rope to open the flag. This shows that India is already a free and sovereign nation.
Conclusion
So when you see the President hoisting the flag at Rajpath on 26 January, remember that it is not just a ceremony. It represents our Constitution, democracy, and national pride.
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