The preparations for the Republic Day 2019 are underway. Tomorrow on January 26, India will celebrate its 70th Republic Day. Several organisations including government offices, schools and colleges hold celebrations for the day. Hoisting the national flag is the most important part of such celebrations. People greet each other, send Republic Day messages and greetings, and at several places, there are cultural programmes But there are certain rules that need to be followed about hoisting the Tiranga. Not only the flag hoisting, but also after taking it down after sunset, it should be kept in dignity. These rules are called the Flag Code of India and they must be followed every time there is hoisting of the tricolour. Republic Day 2019: Know all About Tiranga and Importance of the Three Colours and Dharma Chakra in the Indian National Flag.

The Flag Code of India lists down the rules so that there is no disrespect and misuse of the tricolour. Our tricolour is the symbol of our pride and we must at all times be respectful. It is distressing to see plastic tricolour flags or paper flags that are treated like utter waste and seen lying on the roads the next day after the celebrations are done. So if you are too are organising Republic Day celebrations be it at work or your residential colony, know the basic rules that should be followed at all times. Republic Day 2019: 12 National Symbols of Incredible India & Their Importance That You Should Know.

Rules for Hoist The National Flag of India

Size and Material of the Flag

How to hoist the national flag (Photo Credits: Pixabay)

  • The Indian Tricolour flag is made up of three equal rectangular bands – saffron on top, white in the middle, and green in the bottom. The length height ratio of the flag is 3:2.The Flag Code of India lists the standard sizes of the National Flag as follows:

    Flag Size No. Dimensions in mm
    1 6300 x 4200
    2 3600 x 2400
    3 2700 x 1800
    4 1800 x 1200
    5 1350 x 900
    6 900 x 600
    7 450 x 300
    8 225 x 150
    9 150 x 100

  • The material with which the tricolour is made is also considered. Khadi or hand-spun cloth is the only material allowed to be used for the flag. A flying tricolour flag made of any other material is punishable by law with imprisonment up to three years, along with a fine.

Display of the Flag

  • The Indian tricolour should always occupy a position of honour and should be placed distinctly.

  • If you are hoisting the flag on public buildings or private organisations, then it should be flown from sunrise to sunset.

  • A damaged or dishevelled flag should not be hoisted. It cannot be a torn or damaged in any manner whatsoever.

  • The flag should be hoisted at a brisk pace.

  • If the flag is being carried in a procession or a parade it should be on the marching right or alone in the centre at the front.

  • The national anthem should be sung once people salute the flag. It’s important to follow the etiquette specified for the national anthem as well.How to Take Down The National Flag

  • The flag should be taken down after sunset.

  • While taking down the flag, it should be lowered slowly.

  • Once the flag is removed, it should be folded carefully and kept in a wooden box.

How to Dispose of the National Flag

According to the Flag Code of India, the tricolour can be disposed of in two ways- burning or burying it.

    • All the damaged, torn or tarnished flags are collected together and put together in a wooden box. The box is then buried in the earth. After burying of the national flag, a moment of silence is observed to respect it.

    • The burning of the tricolour also needs to be done carefully. The flags should be cleaned, folded and only then be burnt. The dignity and pride of the tricolour should be maintained at all times.

      Watch The Evolution of Indian National Flag Tiranga

These are some of the rules that one must follow while hoisting the national flag of India. Besides, the home ministry has also issued an advisory on Independence Day that states no plastic flags should be used during the celebration. People should only use flags made out of paper. If you too are ringing in Republic Day celebrations, keep in mind the above rules.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 25, 2019 07:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).