India is all set to celebrate its 77th Independence Day 2023 on August 15th. This year’s Independence Day 2023 celebrations will be special as the nation continues to commemorate the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, marking 75 years of independence from British rule.
The government has announced ‘Nation First, Always First’ as the official theme this year, to commemorate the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’. This theme calls for prioritizing national interests and keeping the country first in all aspects. It signifies the spirit of patriotism and national duty.
The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign will be observed by hoisting the tricolor at homes between 13-15 August. The initiative was started last year by PM Modi, to have the national flag flown high across the country. Over 20 crore houses are expected to participate and pay respects to our freedom fighters via this campaign.
With the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign motivating all Indians to proudly display the national flag at home, it is important to remember the proper protocols for communicating the Tiranga. Let us examine the essential guidelines to respectfully hoist the tricolor this Independence Day.
What Does the Flag Code of India?
The Flag Code of India contains the protocols for properly and respectfully displaying the Tiranga. It is based on the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act from 1971, which aims to ensure proper respect is accorded to the national flag.
The code specifies the laws and guidelines regarding the hoisting of the flag for all private citizens, organizations, and government institutions. It came into effect on January 26, 2002, and outlines conventions for handling and displaying the national flag with dignity. The code aims to instill a spirit of patriotism and national pride among all Indians.
What Should You Keep in Mind When Hoisting the Flag at Home?
Whenever displaying the Tiranga at your home or premises, certain rules should be followed. The flag should always be kept in a position of honor, placed distinctly and prominently. It should be unfurled properly and not allowed to touch the ground or floor.
The national flag should be replaced if it’s damaged or faded, to maintain the dignity of the Tiranga. The saffron band should be at the top and the green band at the bottom when horizontally displayed against a wall. It is important to adhere to the code and accord due respect to our national flag.
Dos To Follow While Hoisting Tricolor At Home
Here are the dos to follow while hosting the national flag at home:
- When flying the flag horizontally on a wall, the saffron band must be at the top and the green band at the bottom.
- If the flag is hung vertically on a flagpole, the saffron band should be to the left of the hoister facing the flag.
- When projecting the flag horizontally from a building or balcony, the saffron band must be farthest from the building side.
- The flag should always be hoisted briskly and lowered slowly with dignity.
- No other flag should be placed above the Indian national flag.
- The flag should not be flown upside down or touched to the ground.
Don’ts To Follow While Hoisting Tricolor At Home
To prevent incorrect display and show respect for our national flag, citizens must keep certain essential points in mind:
1. Correct Orientation: The flag should never be hoisted upside down. The saffron band must always be at the top.
2. Pristine Condition: A damaged, faded, or disheveled flag should never be on display. The flag must not be dipped to salute anyone.
3. Unparalleled Placement: No flag, emblem, or object should be placed above, beside, or over the national flag. It must always fly high and free.
4. Ceremonious Usage: The flag should not be used as festoon decoration or for mere beautification. Its significance is much greater.
5. Handle with Care: Letting the flag touch the ground, trail in the water, or get damaged is unacceptable. It must be treated with utmost care.
6. Singular Soaring: Hoisting it alone on the masthead shows the flag the undivided respect it deserves.
7. Dignified Display: Using the flag to cover surfaces or as a garment accessory is inappropriate and goes against its dignified spirit.
8. Emblazoned with Pride: Printing or embroidering it on mundane items like cushions and undergarments is strictly prohibited.
As India prepares to celebrate its 77th Independence Day in 2023, citizens across the country are eagerly looking forward to participating in the Independence Day 2023 festivities with great patriotic fervor. This Independence Day 2023 will be even more special as we continue to commemorate the 75th anniversary of our independence.
The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign for Independence Day 2023 seeks to have the tricolor hoisted atop crores of houses across India between 13-15 August, as a fitting tribute to our freedom fighters. Citizens must ensure proper display of the national flag on Independence Day 2023 as per the Flag Code, to honor the Tiranga.