Common Flag Ceremony Procedure
Common Flag Ceremony Procedure
The 'COURSE SWASTHAN' command prompts all participants to turn to the right, take one step to the right, and then move. This command serves to transition the participants back to their original positions, marking the end of the ceremony .
In the Guide Wing, the Colour Party, consisting of 3 participants, is positioned at the centre of the horseshoe facing the Flag Mast. Upon the command 'Dhwaj Dal Chal Do,' the Colour Party marches towards the Flag Mast, halts 2 paces away, and the Colour Bearer steps forward to hold the halyard. Both the Scout (Duty Leader) and Guide (Colour Bearer) raise their hand to hold the halyard and tie it around the cleat after saluting, however, in the Scout Wing, the Colour Party's actions are not explicitly detailed beyond the Duty Leader's individual role. This highlights a structured role for the Colour Bearer in the Guide Wing .
During the flag ceremony, the Leader begins the prayer with the command 'PRARTHANA SHURU,' indicating all to sing the prayer. Once the prayer is completed, the command 'COURSE VISHRAM' is given, allowing participants to resume the position of rest .
The Assistant Leader begins by taking 2 steps in front of the Flag Mast, standing at the right extreme of the horseshoe. After properly arranging the horseshoe, the Assistant Leader brings them to the SAVDHAN position, takes one step left, turns about, takes 3 steps, and turns to face the horseshoe. This places him/her one step left and one step behind the Flag Mast .
The flag ceremony protocol enhances order and discipline through precise commands ('COURSE VISHRAM,' 'COURSE SAVDHAN'), structured movements (specific counts of steps and turns), and clear roles (Assistant Leader, Duty Leader). This disciplined structure requires adherence to coordinated movements and a synchronized understanding of commands, which collectively maintain ceremonial order and instill discipline among participants .
Staff members, positioned two steps behind the Assistant Unit Leader, reflect the hierarchical support structure within the ceremony. This positioning underscores the Assistant Leader's role in facilitating operations while maintaining a clear line of command through visible spatial hierarchy, emphasizing collaboration and order within the organization .
The command 'JHANDA GEET SHURU' initiates the singing of the Flag Song, a traditional and ceremonial act following the flag raising. Its inclusion signifies respect and patriotism, reinforcing the ceremony’s purpose of national and organizational pride. Each participant's involvement in singing symbolizes unity and collective honor towards the flag .
Initially, the Assistant Leader is positioned at the right extreme of the horseshoe and faces the Flag Mast after managing the horseshoe formation. He/she then takes one step to the right to transfer responsibility, then moves forward to the previous position of the Leader who joins the staff line. The Assistant Leader joins this line as well, which signifies transferring operational control to the Leader during the flag-raising phase, highlighting the Assistant Leader's supportive and transitional role .
The command 'JAISE THE' during the flag ceremony signifies that participants should bring their hands down from the salute position, marking the end of the salute to the flag .
The Duty Leader marches forward to the front of the Flag Mast, turns to the right, and takes a step forward. He raises his right hand as high as possible to hold the halyard, pulls the halyard down, quickly ties it around the cleat, steps back, and salutes .