All Mosques, madrasas, and dargahs in Chhattisgarh to hoist tricolour on Independence Day, says state Waqf Board

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board on Monday has announced that Indian national flag will be hoisted at all mosques, madrasa and dargah across the state on Independence Day. The directives were issued by Waqf Board chairman Salim Raj, calling on the community to uphold the dignity of the occasion, promote patriotism, and foster unity and brotherhood.Speaking to TOI, Waqf Board chairman Salim Raj said that Chhattisgarh is the first state in the country to issue a formal directive making it mandatory for a religious place hoistingthe national flag on Independence DayIn an official order to all mutawallis of Waqf institutions, Raj said that the 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025, should see the tricolour unfurled at the main gates of every mosque, madrasa, and dargah in state.

“The Tiranga is our honour, pride, and identity. Hoisting it is a symbol of our love for the nation,” he told TOI.Referring to Pahalgam terrorist attack on tourists, Raj said that Muslims have come under suspicion since the terrorists inquired with the victims about their religion before killing them. “This is the time to change the narrative and express love towards the nation,” he said. Raj said that he had personally spoken to several mutawallisbefore issuing the directive.

“Some initially resisted, but they were told that they are free to hoist an Islamic flag that they do but because we live on the land of Bharat we shouldn’tresist hoisting our tiranga. I told them one must love the country you live in and work for its betterment, while also following the path shown by Islam,” he explained.Under the order, the ‘imam’ of each mosque will hoist the flag in presence of the mosque committee. To ensure the directives have been followed, Waqf Board has instructed that photographs/ recordings of the flag-hoisting, along with the name and location of the mosque or dargah and the names of participants, be sent within half an hour via its online portal or WhatsApp group.The directive applies to all Waqf-registered mosques, madrasas, imambadas, and dargahs across the state. Salim Raj emphasised that the initiative was as much about dispelling mistrust as it was about celebrating the spirit of Independence Day.The Board hopes the move will encourage greater participation in the national festival and reinforce communal harmony, he added.