India, Aug. 15 -- The national flag takes centre stage on both Independence Day and Republic Day, but it is not displayed the same way on each event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the Tricolour at the Red Fort on Saturday, Aug 15 as India marked its 80th Independence Day, an act that is different from the one the President performs at Kartavya Path every Republic Day.

The distinction comes down to where the flag starts. On Independence Day the Tricolour is placed at the bottom of the pole and is then raised to the top by the Prime Minister as the upward movement marks the birth of a free nation and India's break from two centuries of colonial rule. On Republic Day the flag is already tied as a bundle at the top of the pole and the...