Know Your National Flag
1. What distinguishes a flag from a National Flag?
Answer: A flag generally represents a group, organization, or individual, while a National Flag is a revered symbol of an entire nation, embodying its culture, values, and aspirations. Unlike other flags, it holds constitutional significance and represents the unity and pride of its people.
2. Why is the Indian National Flag known as “Tiranga”?
Answer: The Indian National Flag is called “Tiranga,” meaning “three-colored,” due to its three horizontal bands of color: saffron, white, and green. Although it actually has four colors, the blue Ashoka Chakra is often seen as secondary.
3. When did independent India officially adopt its National Flag?
Answer: The flag for independent India was formally adopted on July 22, 1947, by the Constituent Assembly, just before the country gained independence.
4. Who designed the final version of the National Flag?
Answer: Mrs. Suraiya Tyabji’s design was selected by the Flag Committee in 1947. Her husband, Badruddin Tyabji, was a member of the Constituent Assembly Secretariat.
5. Where was the first ceremonial flag hoisting outside India?
Answer: The first outdoor flag hoisting for India after independence took place on August 15, 1947, in Canberra, Australia, at the Indian High Commission.
6. What anthem was played when the Indian Flag was first raised at the UN Headquarters?
Answer: Subhash Chandra Bose’s version of “Jana Gana Mana” was played at the UN on August 15, 1947, marking India’s debut among free nations.
7. Who presented the first Tiranga to the Constituent Assembly?
Answer: Hansa Mehta led a group of women to present the first Tiranga to Dr. Rajendra Prasad in the early hours of August 15, 1947.
8. Who remarked on the flag’s presentation to the Constituent Assembly, saying it was fitting that it came from India’s women?
Answer: Hansa Mehta made this statement, symbolizing the role of Indian women in the freedom movement.
9. Where in India was the first flag hoisted on August 15, 1947?
Answer: The first flag hoisting in India took place at the Council House (now Parliament House) by Jawaharlal Nehru.
10. When was the Indian Flag first hoisted at the Red Fort?
Answer: The Indian Flag was first raised at the Red Fort on August 16, 1947, a day after Independence.
11. Where was the first public flag hoisting in New Delhi on Independence Day?
Answer: The first public flag hoisting took place at Princess Park near India Gate on August 15, 1947, with Pandit Nehru doing the honors.
12. How many colors are in the Indian National Flag?
Answer: The flag contains four colors: saffron, white, green, and the blue Ashoka Chakra.
13. What are the official names for the colors in the flag?
Answer: The colors are officially called “India Saffron” and “India Green” to standardize their shades.
14. What values does the saffron color represent?
Answer: Saffron symbolizes courage, selflessness, and spiritual renunciation.
15. What is the significance of the white band?
Answer: White stands for peace, truth, and inclusivity of all religions and languages in India.
16. Why is green included in the flag?
Answer: Green represents growth, prosperity, and the harmony of life with nature.
17. What does the blue in the Ashoka Chakra symbolize?
Answer: Blue signifies the vastness of the sky and ocean, as well as inner energy and progress.
18. Why was the Ashoka Chakra chosen for the flag?
Answer: The Ashoka Chakra was selected for its representation of peace, continuity, and resilience.
19. How many spokes does the Ashoka Chakra have?
Answer: The Chakra has 24 spokes, symbolizing the cycle of time and the pursuit of progress.
20. What color is the Ashoka Chakra on the flag?
Answer: The Chakra is navy blue.
21. How is the saffron color created for the flag?
Answer: It’s a blend of red and yellow, where red signifies courage and yellow denotes wisdom.
22. Who proposed the Ashoka Chakra as a replacement for the Charkha?
Answer: Badruddin Tyabji recommended the Ashoka Chakra, with Mahatma Gandhi’s approval.
23. What should the flag’s width be if its length is 18 feet?
Answer: The width should be 12 feet to maintain the 3:2 ratio.
24. What is the ratio of the Indian Flag’s length to width?
Answer: The flag’s dimensions follow a 3:2 ratio of length to width.
25. Can the general public use any material for making the flag?
Answer: Yes, the public can use any fabric, although Khadi is preferred.
26. What material must be used for flags in government offices?
Answer: Government flags must be made of Khadi, either silk or cotton.
27. How many standard sizes exist for the flag as per BIS guidelines?
Answer: There are nine standard sizes for the flag.
28. What document outlines the official use of the flag?
Answer: The “Flag Code of India” sets the rules for proper flag usage.
29. Can citizens fly the flag on any day of the year?
Answer: Yes, since 2002, citizens may fly the flag any day, but it was not a fundamental right.
30. When is the flag usually flown during the day?
Answer: The flag is flown from sunrise to sunset.
31. When is the flag flown at half-mast?
Answer: The flag is lowered to half-mast during state mourning for certain dignitaries.
32. Which officials can display the flag on their vehicles?
Answer: The President, Prime Minister, Supreme Court Judges, and Ambassadors may fly the flag on their cars.
33. Can individuals display a miniature flag in their cars?
Answer: Yes, citizens may place a miniature flag on their dashboard.
34. Are slogans allowed on the flag?
Answer: No, adding text or slogans to the flag is prohibited.
35. Can the flag be used as a part of clothing?
Answer: Yes, but it must be worn respectfully, above the waist.
36. Is it appropriate to use the flag on items like cushions or handkerchiefs?
Answer: No, using the flag on items of daily use or undergarments is strictly prohibited.
37. How should an old or torn flag be disposed of?
Answer: The flag should be respectfully burned or buried.
38. How should the flag be placed on a deceased person?
Answer: It should be placed horizontally with the saffron band touching the deceased’s neck.
39. How is the flag on a deceased person’s body disposed of?
Answer: The flag used in funerals should be destroyed respectfully, away from the public eye.
40. Can High Court judges display the flag on their cars?
Answer: Yes, High Court judges are permitted to fly the flag on their cars.
41. Can the flag be flown at night?
Answer: Yes, if flown on a high flagpole with adequate lighting.
42. Should the flag be lowered during heavy rain?
Answer: No, the flag remains flying regardless of weather.
43. Where should the Indian Flag be placed when flown with another national flag?
Answer: The Indian Flag should be on the left as viewed.
44. Will the flag be half-mast on 26 January or 15 August during a state mourning period?
Answer: No, on these days, the flag will be flown at full-mast.
45. If a VVIP passes away on Republic or Independence Day, will the flag be half-mast?
Answer: No, except where the body is placed in state.
46. Should the public fly the flag at half-mast during state mourning?
Answer: No, only government institutions are required to lower the flag.
47. How does a jail fly its flag after an execution?
Answer: The flag is flown at full-mast following an execution.
48. Which side does the Indian Flag appear on a foreign dignitary’s car?
Answer: The Indian Flag is flown on the car’s right side.
49. Where is the flag placed when flying alongside the United Nations Flag?
Answer: The Indian Flag can be positioned on either side of the UN Flag.
50. How is a government building flag displayed when a VVIP passes on Republic Day or Independence Day?
Answer: It remains at full-mast, with the exception of the building where the body lies in state.