Republic Day 2024:  As India gears up to commemorate its 75th Republic Day on January 26, 2024, there's been some confusion regarding who will be unfurling the national flag on this significant occasion. Putting all speculations to rest, it has been confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be unfurling the flag. Instead, the honor will be bestowed upon President Droupadi Murmu. Here's the reason behind this decision.

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Traditionally, on Independence Day, the Prime Minister raises the national flag at the Red Fort. However, on Republic Day, the protocol differs. The President of India unfurls the flag at Kartavya Path (previously known as Rajpath and originally named Kingsway).

The manner of flag hoisting also carries symbolic significance. On Independence Day, the Prime Minister hoists the flag from the bottom of the pole at Red Fort, symbolizing India's liberation from colonial rule and the birth of an independent nation. In contrast, on Republic Day, the President unfurls the flag, already positioned at the peak with flowers adorning it, symbolizing India's established freedom and the enforcement of its Constitution.

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Furthermore, the venues and subsequent events also differ. After the Prime Minister's flag hoisting at Red Fort on Independence Day, a national address follows. Conversely, the President's flag unfurling ceremony on Republic Day at Kartavya Path is followed by a grand parade.

History Behind India's Independence Day:

In 1930, the Indian National Congress commenced observing January 26 as India's Independence Day to honor the nation's freedom fighters. However, in 1947, August 15 was officially designated as the Independence Day when India gained sovereignty.

When India's Constitution came into effect in 1950, January 26 was chosen as Republic Day to commemorate the 1930 call for independence. Thus, on January 26, 1950, India officially became a republic, and since then, this day has been celebrated as Republic Day annually.

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