Facts about Indian Flag

The Indian Flag, also known as the Tiranga (meaning “tricolor”), is a symbol of India’s rich history, values, and national pride. Here are some interesting and significant facts about the Indian Flag:

1. Design and Symbolism

1. The Indian flag consists of three horizontal stripes of equal width. From top to bottom, the colors are saffron (orange), white, and green.
2. In the center of the white stripe is a navy blue wheel, known as the Ashoka Chakra. This wheel has 24 spokes and represents the wheel of law (Dharma Chakra) from Emperor Ashoka’s time.
3. Saffron symbolizes courage and sacrifice, white represents truth and peace, and green represents faith and chivalry.
4. The Ashoka Chakra symbolizes the eternal wheel of law and is a reminder of India’s commitment to justice and righteousness.

2. Historical Background

5. The Indian Flag was first adopted on July 22, 1947, just before India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.
6. The first official version of the flag, known as the Flag of India, was designed by Pingali Venkayya, an Indian freedom fighter and teacher from Andhra Pradesh.
7. The flag was officially adopted by the Indian Constituent Assembly after extensive discussions and debates. The final design was based on various previous versions of flags used during the Indian independence movement.

3. Evolution of the Flag

8. The Indian national flag has undergone several changes over the years before the final version was adopted.
9. The first version of the flag, used in 1906, was a combination of red, yellow, and green and had no Ashoka Chakra. It was called the Calcutta Flag.
10. In 1917, a new flag with a Union Jack in the corner and three horizontal bands of red, yellow, and green was used by the Home Rule Movement led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant.
11. The Indian National Congress (INC) adopted a flag in 1931 that had three horizontal colors — saffron, white, and green — with the Ashoka Chakra in the center. This flag closely resembles the current version of the flag, but with a charkha (spinning wheel) in the center instead of the Ashoka Chakra.

4. The Ashoka Chakra

12. The Ashoka Chakra in the center of the flag is inspired by the Lion Capital of Ashoka, which is an ancient sculpture from the Maurya Empire. It is also the national emblem of India.
13. The Ashoka Chakra has 24 spokes, symbolizing the 24 hours of the day and the need for progress and movement in life.
14. The Chakra is designed in navy blue, which signifies the richness of India’s past and its commitment to peace and progress.

5. Flag Etiquette

15. The Indian Flag must always be treated with respect and honor. It should never touch the ground and should be raised or lowered with care.
16. When the flag is displayed, it should be flown from a staff or flagpole. It should never be draped over a person, vehicle, or object.
17. The flag should be flown from sunrise to sunset. It should not be flown during the night unless properly illuminated.
18. The flag should never be used for advertising purposes or as a part of any commercial activity.

6. The Flag Code of India

19. The Flag Code of India governs the usage and display of the Indian flag. The Code provides detailed guidelines on the respect, manner of hoisting, and care of the flag.
20. The flag can be hoisted at official buildings, homes, and private institutions. However, it must be flown only in a dignified manner and according to the provisions of the Flag Code.
21. As per the Flag Code, the Ashoka Chakra should always be on top when the flag is hoisted horizontally.

7. First Hoisting of the Flag

22. The Indian Flag was first hoisted on August 15, 1947, when India gained independence from British rule.
23. The first person to hoist the flag after independence was Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, at the Red Fort in Delhi.

8. Important Rules and Regulations

24. The flag is typically made of khadi, a traditional fabric that symbolizes India’s commitment to self-reliance, as promoted by Mahatma Gandhi.
25. The flag should never have any writing or insignia on it, other than the Ashoka Chakra in the center.
26. The Indian flag must always be in good condition. If the flag becomes damaged or torn, it must be properly disposed of in a dignified manner, typically by burning or burying it.

9. Flag Day

27. National Flag Day is celebrated in India on December 7th every year. It was first observed in 2002 to honor the national flag and encourage people to display the flag with pride.

10. Respect for the Flag

28. According to Indian law, the flag is a symbol of national pride, and it should be displayed with the utmost respect.
29. Flag Code of India (2002) revised the law to allow private citizens to fly the national flag on their premises, which was previously restricted to government buildings.
30. The flag should always be raised briskly and lowered slowly and with dignity.

11. Flag in Other Countries

31. The Indian Flag is often displayed at the Indian Embassies and Consulates abroad, representing India’s sovereignty and national identity in foreign countries.
32. It is also often seen in Indian diaspora communities across the globe, during major Indian festivals, national holidays, or significant events.

12. The Tricolor and Unity

33. The tricolor flag represents the unity and diversity of India, a nation that is home to a multitude of cultures, religions, languages, and traditions.
34. The saffron represents the strength and courage of the people, the white signifies peace and truth, and the green symbolizes fertility, growth, and auspiciousness of the land.

13. The Significance of the Colors

35. The color saffron is said to symbolize the sacrifice made for the nation, particularly during the independence struggle.
36. The white stripe in the flag represents the path of truth that guides the people of India towards the ideals of peace, honesty, and integrity.
37. The green color signifies the country’s agricultural wealth and its commitment to sustainability and prosperity.

14. National Pride

38. The Indian Flag is seen as a symbol of freedom, democracy, and the values that India stands for, including equality, unity, and secularism.
39. The flag is often displayed at public events, parades, and national holidays, including Independence Day (August 15) and Republic Day (January 26).

The Indian Flag stands as a testament to India’s long struggle for independence, its diverse culture, and the unity of its people. It reflects the country’s journey from colonialism to freedom, its commitment to peace and justice, and its values of secularism, democracy, and equality.