To hoist the National Flag at home correctly, use a rectangular flag in the 3:2 ratio with saffron at the top, mount it on a clean, firm pole in a prominent open position, and hoist it briskly. Follow the Flag Code of India 2002, never let the flag touch the ground, and take it down with dignity when required.
Displaying the Tiranga at home is one of the simplest and most heartfelt ways to mark national occasions, especially around Independence Day. Since the "Har Ghar Tiranga" initiative encouraged citizens to fly the flag from their homes, more families have wanted to do it the right way. This guide walks you through the correct method, step by step, in keeping with the Flag Code of India 2002 and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
Understanding the rules before you begin
The display of the National Flag is governed primarily by two instruments. The Flag Code of India, 2002 consolidates the conventions, practices and instructions for how the flag may be displayed, hoisted and handled. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 makes it a punishable offence to insult, burn, trample or otherwise show disrespect to the National Flag. Together, they define both what you should do and what you must never do.
A key update to remember: the Flag Code was amended in 2021 and again in 2022. The 2021 amendment allowed the flag to be made of polyester and machine-made in addition to the traditional hand-spun, hand-woven khadi cotton, silk or wool. The 2022 amendment permitted the flag to be flown both day and night — previously it could be flown only from sunrise to sunset — provided it is displayed in the open and on a private house. We cover both changes in detail below.
Choosing the correct flag
Before hoisting, make sure your flag itself is compliant. An incorrect flag cannot be hoisted correctly, however careful your method.
- Shape and ratio: The flag must be rectangular with a length-to-width ratio of 3:2. A common household size is 900 x 600 mm, but any size in the 3:2 ratio is acceptable.
- Colours and order: Deep saffron at the top, white in the middle, and India green at the bottom, in equal horizontal bands. The Ashoka Chakra — a navy-blue wheel with 24 spokes — sits at the centre of the white band.
- Material: Following the 2021 amendment, the flag may be made of hand-spun and hand-woven or machine-made cotton, polyester, wool, silk or khadi bunting.
- Condition: The flag must be clean, whole and undamaged. A torn, faded or soiled flag should never be displayed.
To understand what each colour and the Chakra represent, see our guide to the history and meaning of the Indian National Flag.
Quick reference: correct flag specifications
| Feature | Correct specification |
|---|---|
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Ratio (length:width) | 3:2 |
| Top band | Deep saffron |
| Middle band | White with navy-blue Ashoka Chakra (24 spokes) |
| Bottom band | India green |
| Material (post-2021) | Khadi, cotton, silk, wool or polyester; hand- or machine-made |
| Condition | Clean, whole, undamaged, colours bright |
How to hoist the National Flag at home: step by step
The word "hoisting" refers to raising the flag from a lowered position, which is the correct action for Independence Day; on Republic Day the flag is "unfurled" from a bundled position at the top of the pole. For a full explanation, read hoisting vs unfurling the flag. When flying the flag at home, follow these steps.
- Choose a prominent, clean position. Pick a spot where the flag will be clearly visible and can occupy a position of honour — a balcony, terrace, rooftop or a pole in front of the house. It should not be obstructed or crowded by other objects.
- Prepare a firm, upright pole. Use a clean, straight pole set securely so the flag will hang freely and will not sag, twist or brush against walls, wires or trees. The pole should be tall enough to keep the flag well clear of the ground.
- Attach the flag with saffron at the top. Fasten the flag so that the saffron band is uppermost when the flag is displayed. Displaying it upside down — with green at the top — is a serious mark of disrespect and must be avoided.
- Ensure the flag can move freely. Check that the flag is not folded in a way that hides the Chakra and that it can flutter openly. Nothing should be placed above or alongside it in a way that gives another object higher status.
- Hoist briskly in the morning. Traditionally the flag is hoisted quickly and with energy. On Independence Day the flag is raised from the bottom to the top of the pole. Give the moment the respect it deserves — stand to attention as you hoist.
- Secure the halyard. Once the flag is at the top, tie off the rope or fastening so the flag stays firmly in place and does not slip down during the day.
- Keep it clear of the ground and water. At every stage — before, during and after hoisting — the flag must never touch the ground, the floor or trail in water. This is one of the most important rules of dignified display.
Displaying the flag at night: the 2021-22 amendment
For decades, the flag could be flown only between sunrise and sunset. The 2022 amendment to the Flag Code changed this. You may now fly the National Flag at your home day and night, but only when two conditions are met together:
- The flag is displayed in the open, and
- It is flown on the pole of a private house or building belonging to a member of the public.
If you intend to keep the flag flying after sunset, ensure it remains in good condition, properly hoisted and clear of obstruction throughout the night. If you cannot maintain it after dark, the dignified option is to take it down at sunset, as was the traditional practice.
Things you must never do
Some actions are expressly prohibited and may attract penalties under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. Keep this checklist in mind whenever you display the flag.
| Do | Do not |
|---|---|
| Keep saffron at the top | Display the flag upside down |
| Use a clean, whole 3:2 flag | Fly a torn, faded or dirty flag |
| Let the flag flutter freely and clear of the ground | Let it touch the ground, floor or water |
| Give the flag the position of honour | Place any object, flag or emblem above it |
| Store the flag folded and respectfully | Use the flag as clothing, drapery, table cover or wrapping |
| Dispose of a damaged flag with dignity | Trample, deface, or throw away the flag carelessly |
Importantly, the National Flag must never be worn as a costume, a garment or drapery. Using the flag as clothing is prohibited. A small paper or lapel flag pinned near the chest is permitted, but the flag itself is not to be draped over the body or used as a fashion item.
Taking the flag down and storing it
Lowering the flag deserves the same care as raising it. Follow these steps for a dignified takedown.
- Lower it slowly and ceremoniously. Where the flag is taken down (for example at sunset if you are not flying it overnight), lower it gently — the reverse of the brisk hoist.
- Do not let it touch the ground. Catch and gather the flag before it reaches the ground or floor.
- Fold it correctly. Fold the saffron and green bands under the white band, then fold again so that only the saffron and green are visible with the Ashoka Chakra held within the folds. Carry the folded flag respectfully.
- Store it in a clean, safe place. Keep the folded flag away from dust, damp and clutter, ready for its next respectful use.
When a flag becomes damaged, faded or soiled beyond further respectful use, it should not simply be thrown away. There is a prescribed, dignified way to retire it — see our guide on how to dispose of the National Flag correctly.
Flag display and Independence Day 2026
Many families choose to hoist the flag on 15 August 2026. Note that 2026 marks the 80th Independence Day of India, commemorating 79 completed years since 15 August 1947 — the two numbers are often confused. We explain the distinction clearly in our guide on whether it is the 80th or 79th Independence Day in 2026. For the full picture of celebrations, official events and traditions, see our Independence Day 2026 pillar guide.
Because rules are periodically amended, always consult the official, current text of the Flag Code of India, 2002 published by the Ministry of Home Affairs for the most authoritative and up-to-date specifics before an official or large-scale display.