Independence Day 2023: Here's what you need to know about history & significance of Indian flag

As India celebrates its 77th independence day with fanfare and glee, there are some facts that you should know about the Tricolour.

Every country has its own flag, symbolising liberty or freedom. The Indian flag holds a magnanimous significance, for it represents the diversity the country holds. It symbolizes patriotism, freedom, and honour of the country. It also makes us feel nostalgic about the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters.

Three colours of the Indian flag:
The Indian flag is a horizontal tricolour of Saffron (Kesariya) at the top, white in the middle, and green at the bottom, all in equal proportion. It also consists of the national emblem of the country, Ashok Chakra, in the centre of the white band.


The saffron colour of the national flag represents the strength and courage of the country. The white in the middle is a symbol of peace while the green colour symbolizes fertility, prosperity and auspiciousness of the land.

The 'Ashok Chakra' signifies that there is life in movement and death in stagnation.

The history of the Indian flag:
The Indian Tricolour was adopted in its present form during the constituent assembly meeting that was held on July 22, 1947, a few days before the country got freedom from British rule on August 15, 1947.

The proposal for the flag was made by Mahatma Gandhi to the Indian National Congress in 1921. However, it was designed by Pingali Venkayy.

Initially, there was a traditional spinning wheel (Charkha) in the centre of the flag. A modification took place with the inclusion of white strips in the middle.

Furthermore, the traditional spinning wheel was replaced by Ashok Chakra in 1947.

On January 26, 2002, a modification took place in the Indian Flag Code. Accordingly, the citizens of India were finally permitted to hoist the Tricolour over their homes, or workplaces on any day, not just National days as was the case earlier.

Now, Indians can proudly display the national flag.

Rules to follow when hoisting the Tricolour:
One must never use the flag as pillow covers, table covers, or bedsheets. One must keep in mind that the flag should always be in the right hand of the speaker, for 'right' represents authority.

Whenever the national flag is displayed, it should be totally spread out. It cannot be deliberately allowed to touch the ground.

In conclusion, our national flag represents the citizens of the country. It signifies our unity and sovereignty. It must not be disrespected or looked down upon in any way.

(With inputs from ANI)