Independence Day 2026: Flag Code Rules Every Indian Must Know Before Hoisting the Tricolour

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As India prepares to celebrate its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, the Tricolour will be proudly displayed across homes, schools, offices and public spaces. But while hoisting the National Flag is a cherished part of the celebrations, there are specific rules governing how the Tricolour should be displayed and handled.

The Flag Code of India, 2002, along with the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, lays down important guidelines to protect the dignity and honour of the National Flag. Several rules were also amended in recent years, making some commonly circulated information outdated. Here is what you need to know before displaying the Tricolour this Independence Day.

Can You Hoist the National Flag at Home?

Yes. Private citizens are permitted to hoist or display the National Flag at their homes on Independence Day.

Photo Credit: Image is AI-generated

In fact, the Flag Code allows members of the public, private organisations and educational institutions to display the National Flag on all days and occasions, whether ceremonial or otherwise, as long as its dignity and honour are maintained.

Can You Fly the Tricolour at Night?

Yes, under the amended rules.

A July 2022 amendment to the Flag Code allows the National Flag, when displayed in the open or on the house of a member of the public, to be flown day and night.

This means the older advice that everyone must take down the flag at sunset does not apply in the same way to a flag displayed in the open or on a private citizen's house.

What Is the Correct Size and Shape of the Indian Flag?

The National Flag must be rectangular, with a length-to-height ratio of 3:2.

There is no single compulsory size for a flag displayed by an ordinary citizen. However, regardless of its size, the proportions must be maintained.

The Tricolour consists of three horizontal bands:

• Saffron at the top
• White in the middle
• India green at the bottom

The navy-blue Ashoka Chakra with 24 spokes is placed at the centre of the white band.

Can You Use a Polyester or Machine-Made Flag?

Yes.

This is another important change that people should know about. Following the December 2021 amendment, the National Flag can be made from materials including cotton, polyester, wool, silk and khadi bunting, and can be hand-spun, hand-woven or machine-made as permitted under the Code.

Therefore, the commonly repeated claim that an Indian flag must only be made from khadi is outdated.

Important Rules While Hoisting the Tricolour

If you are putting up the National Flag at home or at an event on August 15, keep these rules in mind:

• The flag should always occupy a position of honour.
• It should be displayed in a way that maintains its dignity.
• The saffron band should be at the top when the flag is displayed horizontally.
• The flag should not touch the ground or floor.
• It should not trail in water.
• A damaged or dishevelled flag should not be displayed.
• Writing or lettering should not be placed on the National Flag.
• The flag should not be used as a decoration, festoon, bunting or rosette.
• No other flag should be placed above or higher than the National Flag.

Can You Put the Indian Flag on Your Car?

This is where many Independence Day celebrations can go wrong.

The Flag Code specifies the categories of dignitaries who are permitted to display the National Flag on vehicles. Ordinary private citizens do not have a general right to fly the National Flag on their cars.

Therefore, attaching a full-size National Flag to a private vehicle should not be treated as an unrestricted Independence Day practice.

Can You Use the Tricolour on Clothes and Decorations?

The National Flag should not be treated as an ordinary decorative design.

The law prohibits certain disrespectful uses of the National Flag, including using it as part of clothing or an accessory worn below the waist. The law also specifically addresses reproductions on items such as cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins and undergarments.

A Tricolour-themed outfit or design should therefore be used carefully, ensuring that it does not amount to disrespect or a prohibited use of the National Flag.

What Should You Do With a Damaged Flag?

A torn, damaged or soiled National Flag should not be displayed.

After Independence Day celebrations, flags should not simply be left on roads, streets or other public places. They should be collected and disposed of in a manner consistent with the dignity of the National Flag.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has also advised against the use of plastic flags, as they can create disposal problems and are not easily biodegradable.

What About Paper Tricolours?

Paper flags can be used during Independence Day celebrations, but they should be treated respectfully.

They should not be thrown on the ground once celebrations are over. People should collect them and dispose of them appropriately while maintaining respect for the National Flag.

Can You Fly the National Flag at Half-Mast?

Not on your own.

The National Flag cannot simply be flown at half-mast as a personal gesture. Under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, flying the flag at half-mast is permitted when the Government directs it on specified occasions.

What Is the Penalty for Disrespecting the National Flag?

The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 provides legal protection to the National Flag.

Anyone who, in a public place or another place within public view, burns, mutilates, defaces, disfigures, destroys, tramples upon or otherwise shows disrespect to the National Flag can face imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both.

The law also covers visible representations of the National Flag.

Independence Day 2026: Remember These Flag Rules

The Tricolour is more than a symbol used during Independence Day celebrations-it represents the nation's sovereignty, unity and pride. While citizens are free to display it at home, doing so comes with the responsibility of treating it with dignity.

On Independence Day, whether you hoist the flag from your balcony, display it outside your home or participate in a public celebration, remember the basic rules: keep it clean, display it correctly, never let it touch the ground and never use it as ordinary decoration.

Following the Flag Code is not just about avoiding a violation, it is about showing the respect the Tiranga deserves.