Independence Day 2022 : How to respect the Tricolour now that August 15 celebrations have ended

Indians celebrated Independence Day with patriotic fervour on August 15, 2022, by hoisting the Tricolour in their homes, offices and vehicles as a part of the government’s Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. Now that the day has passed, you – like many fellow Indians – must be wondering what to do with the flag. Those who have flags made of cloth have opted to store them at home to be unfurled next year. However, many are not sure how to dispose of the National Flag respectfully as disrespecting the Tricolour is punishable with a jail term.

But what defines “disrespect” and how do you avoid inadvertently denigrating the symbol of patriotic pride? As per the words in the law, "Whoever in any public place or in any other place within public view burns, mutilates, defaces, defiles, disfigures, destroys, tramples upon or otherwise brings into contempt (whether by words, either spoken or written or by acts) the Indian National Flag.... or any part thereof, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may be extended to three years."

So what do you do with the flag you bought? As per the Flag Code of India, 2022, flags made of cloth or fabric should be neatly folded and can be reused.

The Flag Code that elaborates the do’s and don’ts of maintaining the flag says: "When the Flag is in a damaged or soiled condition, it shall be destroyed as a whole in private, preferably by burning or by any other method consistent with the dignity of the Flag."

All damaged or soiled flags should be gathered, folded and kept in a wooden box, and can be buried with the box (much like a small coffin). The box should also be buried and a moment of silence should be observed, the Code says. If a person chooses to burn the damaged flags, it must be done respectfully, much like cremating a revered one. The flags must be neatly folded and positioned in the centre of the flames after starting the fire, and this should be done in private, as per the Code.

The Municipal Corporation Delhi (MCD) has instructed the sanitation workers to collect the damaged and soiled flags. The MCD has said that once collected, these flags would be disposed of with dignity and respect.

But what if your Tricolour is in good condition? In that case, the Rules say that the Tricolour shall not be used as a portion of a costume or uniform of any description nor shall it be embroidered or printed upon cushions, napkins, or dress material; lettering of any kind shall not be put on the Flag. Further, the Flag shall not be intentionally displayed with the saffron down. Disrespecting the Tricolour is punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine or both, as per the Flag Code of India.