Everything you need to know about the Indian tricolour flag

New Delhi: As India marks its 78th Independence Day today, the Tricolour waves proudly, reminding everyone of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and the unity that holds the nation together.

Across the country, patriotic fervour is palpable as people don the national colours and celebrate the day. Flags are prominently displayed in shops and on streets, reflecting the significance of the Tricolour in representing India's rich diversity.

The current design of the Indian flag was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on July 22, 1947, just before India gained independence on August 15 of the same year. The flag, known as the Tiranga (three colours), replaced the spinning wheel with the Ashoka Chakra, a symbol of truth and progress. The Tiranga features three horizontal bands of saffron, white, and green, with the navy-blue Ashoka Chakra at the centre of the white band.

Each colour of the flag holds meaning: saffron signifies courage and strength, white represents peace, and green stands for fertility and prosperity. The Ashoka Chakra, with its 24 spokes, symbolises the ongoing journey of progress.

The design of the flag is credited to Pingali Venkayya, who first presented it to Mahatma Gandhi in 1921. Over time, the Flag Code of India has been updated. Since 2002, citizens have been allowed to display the flag throughout the year, provided they follow certain guidelines, including hoisting it between sunrise and sunset.

There are specific rules for displaying the Tricolour. It must always be held in the right hand and should never touch the ground. On Independence Day, the Prime Minister hoists the flag from the bottom of the pole, while on Republic Day, the President unveils the flag from the top.

The Tiranga is more than a symbol; it represents India's commitment to justice, equality, and progress. It is a beacon of hope and pride for every Indian, reminding us of our shared values and inspiring us towards a better future.

Agencies