What is the Correct Time for Flag Hoisting in India?

For decades, the Flag Code strictly stated that the National Flag must only be flown during daylight hours. The rule explicitly mandated that the flag must be hoisted swiftly at sunrise, and lowered respectfully exactly at sunset, regardless of the weather conditions. A flag was never allowed to fly in the dark.

In recent years, the government has relaxed this rule to encourage patriotism among normal citizens.

• In 2009, the government allowed massive, monumental flags (like those on 100-foot poles at railway stations) to fly at night, provided they were powerfully illuminated by floodlights so the flag was never in the dark.
• The 2022 Amendment (Har Ghar Tiranga): To allow citizens to celebrate 75 years of Independence, the Flag Code was amended again. It now legally allows individual citizens to hoist the National Flag at their private homes day and night, 24 hours a day, without needing to lower it at sunset.

For official government ceremonies (like schools, government offices, or the Red Fort), the flag hoisting event usually takes place strictly between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. After the flag is hoisted and unfurled, the National Anthem must be sung immediately.