Independence Day 2026: 10 Har Ghar Tiranga rules you must know before displaying the national flag

Independence Day 2026 Har Ghar Tiranga Rules: As India prepares to celebrate Independence Day 2026, many households will display the Tricolour as part of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. While members of the public are allowed to display the National Flag on all days and occasions, the flag must be handled and displayed with dignity.

The use, hoisting and display of the Indian National Flag are governed primarily by the Flag Code of India, 2002 and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also issued guidance following amendments to the Flag Code in 2021 and 2022.

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Here are 10 important Indian National Flag rules to know before putting up the Tricolour at home this Independence Day.

1. You can display the Tricolour at home on any day

Members of the public, private organisations and educational institutions can hoist or display the National Flag on all days and occasions, provided its dignity and honour are maintained. This means you do not have to wait for Independence Day or Republic Day to display the Tricolour.

2. The National Flag can be flown at night at home

Following the July 2022 amendment, when the flag is displayed in the open or on the house of a member of the public, it may be flown day and night.

3. Know which materials are permitted for the Tricolour

The Flag Code permits the National Flag to be made from hand-spun and hand-woven or machine-made cotton, polyester, wool, silk or khadi bunting. Polyester and machine-made flags were permitted following the December 2021 amendment.

4. The Tricolour must always have the position of honour

Whenever the National Flag is displayed, it should occupy the position of honour and be distinctly placed. Other flags or bunting must not be positioned higher than, above or alongside the National Flag in a manner that compromises its position of honour.

5. Never display a torn or dirty National Flag

A damaged, soiled or dishevelled National Flag should not be displayed. The flag should also not be stored or handled in a way that damages or soils it.

6. Do not fly another flag from the same masthead

The National Flag should not be flown from a single masthead simultaneously with another flag or flags. This is one of the display rules intended to preserve the Tricolour's position of honour.

7. Be careful when displaying the Tricolour with other flags

No other flag or bunting should be placed higher than or above the National Flag, or alongside it in a manner prohibited by the Flag Code. Objects such as flowers, garlands or emblems should also not be placed on or above the flagmast from which the National Flag is flown.

8. Only specified dignitaries can fly the flag on vehicles

The National Flag cannot generally be flown on private vehicles. The Flag Code permits it on vehicles of specified dignitaries, including the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister and Governors, among others listed under the Code.

Importantly, the National Flag should not simply be draped over the bonnet, roof, sides or rear of a vehicle.

9. Do not use the Tricolour as decoration

The National Flag should not be used as a festoon, rosette, bunting or in any other manner for decoration. It should also not be used as drapery, to cover buildings or as a covering for a speaker's desk or platform.

10. Never let the flag touch the ground

The National Flag should not be intentionally allowed to touch the ground or floor or trail in water. It should also not be displayed or fastened in a way that could damage it.

What to do with a damaged Tricolour

If a National Flag becomes damaged or soiled, it should not simply be thrown away or discarded disrespectfully. The Ministry of Home Affairs says a damaged or soiled flag should be disposed of privately and in a manner consistent with its dignity.

For Independence Day 2026, displaying the Tricolour at home is permitted, but the key message is simple: the National Flag should be treated as a symbol of national pride, not as an ordinary decoration. The Ministry of Home Affairs continues to list the Flag Code of India, as amended in 2021 and 2022, along with the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, as the governing framework for its display.