Tiranga: The Glorious Indian National Flag

Introduction

The Tiranga, or the Tricolour, is more than just a flag. It’s a symbol of India’s sovereignty, unity, pride, and cultural richness. Since its official adoption on 22nd July 1947, the Tiranga has become a powerful representation of India’s journey from colonial rule to independence, and from tradition to progress.

Whether it is hoisted at government buildings, waved at international events, or carried with pride on Republic and Independence Days, the Indian national flag evokes deep emotions among citizens. In this blog, we will explore the history, symbolism, specifications, legal framework, and the spirit of the Tiranga in Indian culture.

Chapter 1: The History of the Indian National Flag

The Evolution of Indian Flags Before Independence

India’s tryst with flags dates back to the pre-independence freedom movement. Several flags were proposed, designed, and hoisted during key moments in India’s struggle for freedom.

1. The First National Flag (1906)

  • Hoisted on August 7, 1906 in Parsee Bagan Square, Kolkata.

  • Had three horizontal stripes: green, yellow, and red.

  • Contained symbols like the sun, moon, and Vande Mataram.

2. The Berlin Committee Flag (1907)

  • Hoisted by Madam Bhikaji Cama in Paris.

  • Very similar to the first flag but had a different order of colors.

3. Home Rule Movement Flag (1917)

  • Introduced during Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s Home Rule Movement.

  • Featured five red and four green stripes and the Union Jack on the top left.

4. The 1921 Flag by Pingali Venkayya

  • Mahatma Gandhi encouraged Pingali Venkayya to design a national flag.

  • Included red (for Hindus), green (for Muslims), and a charkha (spinning wheel) in the center.

Chapter 2: Adoption of the Tiranga

The Constituent Assembly’s Decision – 22nd July 1947

India’s Constituent Assembly officially adopted the Tiranga on July 22, 1947, just weeks before Independence. It retained the essential design of the earlier Congress flag, with some modifications:

  • Saffron on top

  • White in the middle

  • Green at the bottom

  • Ashoka Chakra (24-spoke wheel) in navy blue at the center

The Ashoka Chakra replaced the earlier charkha, symbolizing law, dharma (righteousness), and progress.

Chapter 3: Meaning of the Colors and Symbol

The Tiranga is more than its colors. Each element holds profound symbolic significance.

1. Saffron (Top Band)

  • Represents courage, sacrifice, and renunciation.

  • Reminds citizens to rise above materialism and selfish desires.

2. White (Middle Band)

  • Stands for truth, peace, and purity.

  • Represents the light that guides the nation’s path.

3. Green (Bottom Band)

  • Symbolizes fertility, growth, and auspiciousness of the land.

  • A nod to the agricultural foundation of India.

4. Ashoka Chakra (Navy Blue Wheel)

  • Taken from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath.

  • Represents the wheel of law (Dharma Chakra).

  • Has 24 spokes, each signifying values such as love, courage, patience, peacefulness, etc.

Chapter 4: Specifications of the Tiranga

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifies the design and construction of the Tiranga under IS 1: Manufacturing Code.

Dimensions and Ratios:

  • The ratio of the length to the height (width) of the flag is 3:2.

  • The three bands are equal in width.

Fabric:

  • Originally, flags were made from Khadi.

  • Now, polyester, silk, or cotton is also allowed as per updated Flag Code (2022 amendment).

Chapter 5: The Flag Code of India

What is the Flag Code of India?

The Flag Code of India consolidates all laws, conventions, and practices related to the display of the national flag. Initially, strict rules prohibited civilians from hoisting the flag except on national days.

Major Revisions:

1. 2002 Amendment

  • After a Supreme Court ruling (Naveen Jindal case), private citizens were granted the right to hoist the national flag on any day, provided they respect its dignity.

2. 2022 Amendment

  • Allowed use of machine-made and polyester flags.

  • Permitted night hoisting if the flag is properly illuminated.

Chapter 6: How to Respect the Tiranga

Dos:

  • Always hoist the flag higher than other flags.

  • Display it in a respectful manner, without touching the ground or water.

  • Dispose of it respectfully—by burning or burying in private, when damaged.

Don’ts:

  • Don’t use the flag for commercial purposes.

  • Don’t drape it over vehicles (except allowed ones like dignitaries’ cars).

  • Don’t allow it to touch the floor, ground, or trail in water.

Chapter 7: National Flag in National Events

1. Republic Day & Independence Day

  • The flag is hoisted with military parades, cultural programs, and speeches.

  • Citizens across the country celebrate with flag hoisting at schools, offices, and homes.

2. Gandhi Jayanti, Martyrs’ Day, and Other Patriotic Days

  • The Tiranga is often displayed half-mast on solemn occasions.

3. International Platforms

  • Carried proudly by athletes, diplomats, peacekeepers, and citizens abroad.

Chapter 8: Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign

Launched in 2022 under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Har Ghar Tiranga movement aimed to encourage citizens to bring the flag home and hoist it to mark 75 years of independence.

The campaign saw massive participation, especially from students and youth, highlighting how deeply the Tiranga resonates with modern India.

Chapter 9: Tiranga in Popular Culture

The Tiranga has been glorified in:

1. Bollywood Films

  • Films like Border, Lagaan, Rang De Basanti, and Swades include emotional scenes with the flag.

2. Songs and Poems

  • Iconic patriotic songs like “Tiranga Lehraaye”, “Vande Mataram”, and “Jhanda Uncha Rahe Hamara” immortalize the Tricolour.

3. Art and Fashion

  • Designers and artists have taken inspiration from the flag’s colors and symbolism to create modern expressions of patriotism.

Chapter 10: Tiranga and the Armed Forces

The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force salute the flag during official ceremonies. It flies high on defense installations, war memorials, and during national salutes. Martyrs are often wrapped in the national flag as a sign of supreme honor.

Chapter 11: Inspirational Facts About the Tiranga

  1. Mt. Everest – The Tiranga was unfurled when Indian mountaineers scaled it for the first time in 1965.

  2. Space – Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian in space, took a patch of the national flag with him aboard Soyuz T-11.

  3. World Records – The world’s largest human formation of the Indian flag was achieved in 2014 by over 50,000 participants.

Chapter 12: Role in Building National Unity

The Tiranga unites 1.4 billion Indians—across religion, language, caste, and class. It doesn’t belong to a particular party or ideology. It’s the pride of every Indian—from the hills of Himachal to the coasts of Kanyakumari, from the deserts of Rajasthan to the valleys of the Northeast.

Every time the Tiranga flutters in the wind, it tells a story—of resilience, freedom, democracy, and dreams.

Conclusion

The Tiranga is not just a piece of cloth; it is the soul of the nation. It carries the legacy of freedom fighters, the dreams of citizens, and the spirit of unity that binds India together.

In the words of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s first Vice President:

“The flag under which you serve is not a mere piece of cloth. It is a symbol of the nation’s honour and a constant reminder that you are duty-bound to serve the country and protect its interests.”

So let us cherish the Tiranga with pride, respect, and gratitude. Let it fly high not just on poles, but in our hearts—every day.

Jai Hind!