Don’t dump the Tiranga: A guide to disposing of the national flag

After a long Independence Day weekend, it’s Tuesday blues as we get back to routine. But even as we reminisce the celebrations, let’s not forget about the Tricolour that we so proudly hoisted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign was a roaring success. From humble homes of India’s common man to plush houses of ministers and celebrities, the national flag dotted almost every street of India. More than 30 crore flags were sold this year, according to the traders’ body Confederation of All India Traders.

Also read: Explained: Why the Tricolour is hoisted on Independence Day but unfurled on Republic Day

But now what do we do with the flag in our house? How do we dispose it of? The obvious answer is please don’t discard it in the dustbin.

What does the Flag Code say?

While there are rules on hoisting the national flag, there are also guidelines on how to dispose it of. There has been growing concern, especially this year, because of the popular Har Ghar Tiranga campaign that the flags might not get their due disrespect post the Independence Day festivities.

The Flag Code of India, 2022, which was amended vide Order dated 30 December 2021, laid down rules on how to use, display and hoist the national flag. It took effect on 26 January 2022.

It allowed the national flag made of polyester or stitched using machines. Now, the Tricolour can be made of hand-spun, hand-woven or machine-made cotton, polyester, wool, silk and khadi bunting.

The Flag Code also lays down rules on what to do with the Tiranga after Independence Day. The flag should not be stored in a way that might soil or damage it.

In case the flag is damaged, the Flag Code says that it should be not be dumped, cast aside or treated with disrespect. The flag should be destroyed “as a whole in private, preferably by burning or by any method consistent with the dignity of the flag”.

When burning the flag, a safe place is to be chosen and cleaned. Damaged flags are to be folded and after building a fire they are to be carefully placed in the centre of the flames. Burning a flag without folding it or first lighting it and then putting it on fire is an offence, according to a report in The Hindustan Times (HT).

The flag can also be buried. All damaged flags should be collected, folded and placed in a wooden box, which is then to be buried in the earth. A moment of silence is to be observed once the flags are buried, the report says.

Flags made of paper should not be thrown on the ground after the ceremony. The flag “shall not be allowed to touch the ground or the floor or trail in the water”, the code instructs.

How to fold the flag?

Rules have also been laid down on how the national flag should be folded. The Ministry of Culture has shared a four-step guide on Twitter.

Step 1: The Indian national flag must be placed horizontally.
Step 2: The saffron and green bands need to be folded beneath the white band.
Step 3: The white band needs to be then folded in such a manner that only the Ashoka Chakra is visible with parts of the saffron and green bands.
Step 4: The folded Indian national flag needs to be carried in arms or palms to store it in a safe place.

The National Flag should be folded & stored respectfully as shown in the pictures