Independence Day isn’t just about dignity and honour; it's also about being free to have fun

There’s something sweet about the home ministry’s annual concern about how we should and shouldn’t display the national flag every Independence Day. At least on this one day, the stentorian uncle becomes the auntie in a flap telling everyone to be careful about the special cutlery. For all its Jana Gana Mana-ness, August 15 is yet another occasion (read: excuse) to celebrate. Patriotism has many forms, some indeed neurotic. But Independence Day, with its invitation to simultaneously gaze at our collective past and present as a nation is, yes, fun. And waving a paper tricolour, or wearing it as a wristband, or hoisting a proper cloth flag is part of this fun. While the ministry and other less sweet fusspots go all serious and sacramental about how the flag should be honoured —and how the national anthem should be sung — the truth is that Independence Day should be a spontaneous celebration rather than a mandatory ‘school function’ day.

The Flag Code of India 2002 is there to protect us from tricolour-destroyers and other party-poopers. But overstating the ‘dignity’ of the flag actually undervalues it. The ministry missive tells us not to use it today as a “festoon, rosette or bunting or in any manner for decoration”. Oh well. There is a reason why it’s called Independence Day. It’s the one day you should feel free to be free.