Independence Day 2025 tricolour rules: Dos and Don’ts every Indian must know

Independence Day Tricolour Rules: Each year, as August 15 draws near, the view of the Indian tricolour waving in houses, schools, offices, and public spaces brings patriotism to the air. But whereas everyone enjoys waving or hoisting the flag on Independence Day, there are certain regulations that every citizen needs to abide by. These regulations are not formalities, they are a sign of respect towards our country and nation.

This year, while gearing up to celebrate India’s Independence Day, here’s a straightforward and easy-to-understand guide to do’s and don’ts for hoisting the national flag, according to the Flag Code of India and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act.

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Hoisting the Tricolour: Then and Now

Historically, the national flag was only allowed to be raised at sunrise and brought down by sunset. The premise was that the flag must be seen during the day, as a metaphor for the light and optimism of the country.

Yet in 2022, the government modified the Flag Code of India, introducing a significant change: now you can hoist the flag even at night, as long as it is well lit so that it’s still easily seen.

On Independence Day, the flag is raised, not just unfurled. This implies that it begins from the bottom of the pole and is quickly pulled up to the top before being unfolded. This gesture signifies the historical moment in 1947 when India emerged from colonial domination into freedom.

The Dos: How to hoist the flag respectfully

If you’re planning to hoist the tricolour this Independence Day, here are the key points to remember:

1. Hoist it briskly, lower it slowly: When raising the flag, do it quickly and with energy. When bringing it down, do so gently, showing dignity and respect.

2. Saffron on top: If the flag is vertical, the saffron band must be on the left (facing the audience). If horizontal, saffron should always be on top.

3. Accord it a place of honor: The national flag must always be accorded the most prominent place and should never be superseded by any other flag or ornament.

4. Be neat and unblemished: The flag must be clean, without any tears and not faded. A torn flag should be replaced.

5. Make of proper material: The flag can be composed of hand-spun, hand-woven, or machine-produced cotton, polyester, wool, or silk khadi bunting, as permitted by the Flag Code.

6. Any day, any place: Private citizens, schools, offices, and institutions have been allowed to fly the flag on any day of the year since the 2002 changes, provided they comply with the regulations.

7. At night, keep it lit: If flying the flag at night, make sure to provide the flag with sufficient lighting to make it easily visible.

8. Maintain the correct proportions: The flag should always maintain its length-to-width ratio of 3:2 irrespective of the size.

9. Special occasions: On statue or monument unveiling ceremonies, the flag can be utilized as a covering but should never touch the ground or floor.

The Don’ts: What not to do with the tricolour

In addition to the regulations regarding the hoisting of the flag, there are rigorous guidelines regarding what should never be done:

1. Never dip the flag: Never lower the flag in salute to any person or thing.

2. Never fly it upside down: Saffron should always be at the top; an upside-down flag signifies distress and disrespect.

3. Don’t let it touch the ground, floor, or water: The flag should always be held or displayed in a manner that lifts it above such surfaces.

4. No commercial usage: The flag should not be used for advertising, costumes, cushion covers, napkins, or any other decorative purposes, except in special permitted instances such as paper flags used on a small scale during national events.

5. No draping over buildings or vehicles: It should not be draped over buildings, automobiles, trains, or platforms, except for particular state or military funerals.

6. Don’t put other flags on top of it: The national flag should always be in the uppermost position and never under any other flag.

7. Don’t write or print on it: The flag should be kept plain with no slogans, words, or any markings.

8. Not to be worn below the waist: The flag or its design may not be used as clothes or ornaments below the waist level.

9. No damage or public insult: It is a criminal offence under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, to tear, burn, or mutilate the flag knowingly and intentionally in public.

10. Don’t keep it negligently: Folding it in a wrong manner or keeping it in unclean, moist areas is disrespectful and may ruin the material.

Also Read: Independence Day 2025 wishes, quotes, WhatsApp and Facebook statuses to share with your family and friends

Since the Flag Code was amended in 2002, the tricolour is no longer reserved for official use or for government offices alone. All citizens have the right to fly it, in a house, a shop, an office, or even in a personal car, as long as it is done properly and with respect.

The saffron color symbolizes sacrifice and courage, the white symbolizes peace and truth, and the green symbolizes faith and prosperity. In the center is navy-blue Ashoka Chakra with 24 spokes, symbolizing justice, movement, and the eternal wheel of law.

On August 15, 2025, as the tricolour is hoisted at the Red Fort by the Prime Minister, millions of Indians across the country will be standing in attention, singing the national anthem, and experiencing the pride of being Indian. But above all the celebrations, it’s also a day to be mindful of our responsibilities as citizens, one of which is to show respect to the symbols of the country.