India celebrates Independence Day every year on 15th August with great devotion across the nation. This day marks the historic moment in 1947 when India achieved freedom from over 200 years of British colonial rule, beginning a new chapter of self-governance. It stands as a powerful reminder of the long, challenging struggle for freedom—one achieved through the courage and sacrifice of countless freedom fighters who gave their lives for the nation.
Independence Day 2025
This Friday at 7:30 a.m., Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the national flag at Delhi’s historic Red Fort for the 12th time. He will also sing the national anthem and deliver a speech to the nation. The ceremony will include a 21-gun salute and will be broadcast live on all major platforms.
The Indian National Flag embodies the dreams and aspirations of the nation’s people and stands as a symbol of our pride. For over five decades, many individuals, including members of the armed forces, have selflessly sacrificed their lives to ensure the tricolour continues to wave with honour.
History of the Indian Tricolor
Every free country has its own flag, a symbol of its independence. India’s national flag, known as the “tricolour,” was officially adopted on 22 July 1947, just days before independence on 15 August 1947. It was first used as the flag of the Dominion of India and, from 26 January 1950, as the flag of the Republic of India.
The flag has three equal horizontal stripes — deep saffron (kesari) at the top, white in the middle, and dark green at the bottom. The flag’s width-to-length ratio is 2:3. In the middle of the white stripe is a navy blue wheel called the Ashoka Chakra, inspired by the wheel from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. It has 24 spokes and is the same size as the width of the white stripe.
Colours of the Flag
In India’s national flag, the top saffron band stands for the country’s strength and courage. The middle white band represents peace and truth, along with the Dharma Chakra. The bottom green band shows the land’s fertility, growth, and good fortune.
The Chakra
The Dharma Chakra is the “wheel of law” from the Sarnath Lion Capital, created by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. It symbolizes that life is about movement, while stagnation leads to decline.
Flag Code
On 26 January 2002, the rules for using the Indian flag changed. Citizens were allowed to hoist it at their homes, offices, and factories on any day—not just on national holidays. However, it must be done respectfully by following the Flag Code of India, 2002. This code has three parts:
- Part I: General details about the flag.
- Part II: Rules for display by the public, private organizations, and educational institutions.
- Part III: Rules for display by the Central and State governments and their agencies.
Rules for Flying the Indian Flag (as per 26 January 2002 law)
What You Can Do (Do’s):
- Schools, colleges, sports camps, and scout camps can hoist the flag to inspire respect. In schools, it’s done with an oath of allegiance.
- Any person, private group, or educational institution can display the flag on any day or occasion, as long as it is done with respect.
- Private citizens have the right to fly the flag at their homes or premises.
What You Cannot Do (Don’ts):
- The flag must not be used for political or religious gains, as clothing, or as decoration.
- It should ideally be flown from sunrise to sunset, no matter the weather.
- It must never touch the ground, floor, or water.
- It cannot be placed on vehicles, trains, boats, or aircraft as a covering.
- No flag can be placed higher than it, and nothing (like flowers or garlands) should be placed on or above it.
Sources
- www.knowindia.india.gov.in
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