New Delhi, Aug 14 - Independence Day is only a day away but the usual fervour for tri-coloured flags is missing this time.

Sales of miniature Indian flags at traffic signals and those meant to adorn desks and dashboards are down. The Khadi Gram Udyog is moaning that the demand has fallen by about 20 percent.

'The demand is down by 20 percent compared to last year. The demand has not picked up though we are so close to Aug 15,' a Khadi Gram Udyog official told IANS.

Indian flags in khadi sold at Khadi Gram Udyog's outlets are hugely popular.

'We get our supply from a foundation in Maharashtra. Generally the demand for the flag shoots up before Republic Day and Independence Day. This time it is different,' the official added.

A sweeping look at the capital's roads and the number of tri-coloured fare in the arms of the street children at traffic signals back the point.

Miniature flags made of plastic and other products cost between Rs.5 and Rs.20.

Rajashri Das, an office-goer who like every year bought a flag stand for her car's dashboard, said: 'It's surprising that the number of small flags and other Independence Day fare is not seen as much this time. A boy I bought the flag stand from said the demand for the flag was not much.