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14-08-2024

The Power of Tricolour: The Indian National Flag 

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Imagine standing under the vast, open sky, a gentle breeze lifting the tricolour of the Indian flag high above. The saffron, white, and green stripes flutter gracefully, with the deep blue Ashoka Chakra at the centre, radiating a sense of unity, pride, and patriotism. This is more than just a piece of fabric; it’s the Tiranga, a symbol that resonates deeply in the hearts of over a billion people, representing the soul of a nation that fought bravely for its freedom.

As we dive into the story of the Indian flag, let’s take a moment to reflect on what it truly means. Every time we see the Tiranga soaring above, whether at a national celebration or on the streets during Independence Day, it reminds us of the values it embodies—courage, peace, and growth. But do we know the journey it took to become the emblem of our nation? In this blog, we’ll explore the history, significance, and little-known facts about the Indian flag that make it a powerful symbol of our country’s identity. So, let’s unfurl the layers of this iconic flag and discover the story it tells.

Design: The Indian National Flag

The design and specifications of the National Flag are detailed in the Flag Code of India, which governs the display and usage of the national flag. The National Flag features three horizontal stripes of different colours and a central emblem. Here’s a detailed description:

  1. Colours and Stripes:
  • Saffron (Top Stripe): Represents the strength and courage of the country
  • White (Middle Stripe): Symbolises peace and truth
  • Green (Bottom Stripe): Stands for fertility, growth and auspiciousness of the land.
  1. Ashoka Chakra:
  • In the centre of the white stripe is the Dharma Chakra or the “wheel of law”, a navy blue wheel with 24 spokes. It is derived from the Ashoka Stambha of the Sarnath Lion Capital made by the 3rd-century BC Mauryan Emperor Ashoka.

History of the Indian National Flag

The first design for the Indian National Flag appeared in 1923. It was designed by Pingali Venkayya. The first variant features saffron, white, and green stripes, with a spinning wheel or charkha in the centre of the white part, replacing the Dharma Chakra. It was originally raised on April 13, 1923, in Nagpur during a commemorative function for the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. This flag was dubbed the Swaraj Flag and became a symbol of India's desire for self-government. Following independence, the resolution to use the Tricolour in its current design as the National Flag of sovereign India was ratified in 1931. 

Code of the Indian Flag

There was a strict law governing the hoisting and displaying of the Indian National Flag until 2022. This law was then amended enabling Indians to hoist the Indian flag over their homes, offices and factories on any day and not just National days. However, they have to adhere to the provisions of the Flag Code to avoid disrespect to the Tiranga. The Flag Code of India has three parts-

  • Part I contains a general description of the flag.
  • Part II gives directions for the display of the National Flag by members of public, and private organisations, educational institutions, etc.
  • Part III of the Code relates to the display of the National Flag by Central and State governments and their organisations and agencies.

Do’s and Don’ts of the Indian Flag Code

Do’s

Don’ts

Section 2 of the new code recognises the right of all private persons to display the flag on their property.

The National Flag may be hoisted in educational institutions (schools, colleges, sports camps etc.)

The flag hoisting ceremony in schools now includes an oath of allegiance.

The National Flag may be hoisted/displayed by public and private entities on all days and events that are consistent with its dignity and honour.

The flag cannot be used for communal purposes, including drapery and clothing.

It must be flown from sunrise to sunset, regardless of the weather.

The flag hoisting ceremony in schools now includes an oath of allegiance.

It cannot be draped over the hood, top, sides or rear of a car, rail, boat or aeroplane.

No other flag or bunting may be hoisted higher than the Indian National Flag.

No objects, including flowers, garlands, or symbols, may be placed on or above the flag.

The tricolour cannot be used as a festoon, rosette or bunting.

Interesting Facts about the Indian National Flag

  • The National Flag of India, by law, is to be made of khadi.
  • The world’s largest Indian national flag was unfurled at Longewala, Rajasthan, on the 75th Independence Day in 2021. The flag, made entirely of khadi, covers a whopping 225 feet by 150 feet and weighs around 1,400 kg.
  • When India’s first successful Everest expedition reached the summit in 1965, the team carried a special silk version of the Indian flag, which was hoisted on the world’s highest peak.
  • Every year on Independence Day, August 15th, the country's Prime Minister hoists the flag at Red Fort in New Delhi. Every year on Republic Day, January 26th, as the Constitutional head and the country's first citizen, the President unfurls the flag.
  • The ratio of the width of the flag to its length is 2:3.
  • The Khadi Development and Village Industries Commission has the right to allocate regional groups that are allowed to manufacture the Indian National Flag.
  • The women of Bengiri village in Karnataka are the official flag makers of the Government of India.
  • The Indian flag at the Attari-Wagah border crossing between India and Pakistan measures 110 meters in length and 24 metres in width, making it one of the world's largest.

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