Commemoration of Netaji's First Flag Hoisting
cultural
When it happens
December
30 December every year, a fixed date marking the anniversary of 30 December 1943. The ceremony runs roughly 6.30 to 8.30 am.
Significance
A state observance rather than a community festival, and one worth presenting with its complications intact rather than as simple commemoration.
Why it's celebrated
Japan occupied the Andamans in March 1943 and nominally transferred them to Subhas Chandra Bose's Provisional Government of Azad Hind. Bose visited that December and raised the tricolour, presented at the time as the first hoisting of the Indian flag on Indian soil.
How it's celebrated
A dawn flag hoisting at Flag Point attended by officials, school contingents and the public, with wreath-laying at the Martyrs' Column and patriotic songs.
Key rituals
Dawn flag hoisting, wreath-laying at the Martyrs' Column, patriotic songs.
Beliefs & spiritual meaning
None — it is a civic commemoration.
History & origins
The islands were the only Indian territory the Azad Hind government ever nominally administered. Historians note the visit was a tightly managed Japanese exercise: Bose was kept away from the local population, and Dr Diwan Singh of the Indian Independence League was being tortured to death inside the Cellular Jail during the days of the visit.
Frequently asked
Where did Netaji actually hoist the flag in 1943?+
At the Gymkhana Ground in front of the Andaman Club, not at the Cellular Jail — which is what a great deal of travel writing claims. He arrived by ceremonial motorcade from Ross Island, now Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep, and the procession was made up of Japanese officers.
When is the commemoration held?+
On 30 December each year, at Flag Point in Sri Vijaya Puram, with the ceremony running roughly 6.30 to 8.30 in the morning. It is free and open to all. The separate national Parakram Diwas on 23 January is also marked in the islands.
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