Independence was a great deal for India in 1947 when we got back the steering wheel of our own land. It was time to re-establish our identity as a nation. Having a national flag of India was a massive decision which had already witnessed several changes during the struggle for freedom. It went from bright colors like red, yellow, having the sun and moon, then red and green stripes in the presence of the British flag, thereby settling with a tricolored flag with a huge spinning wheel (Charkha) covering all three colors. At last in 1931, we got current tricolors, i.e. saffron, white and green with a Charkha over the white band which was designed by the freedom fighter Pingali Venkayya.
However, in 1947 when we were finally attaining independence, the Charkha also got replaced with the depiction of Dharmachakra, i.e. Ashok Chakra. It was on 22 July, 1947 that we got the tricolor flag of India - Tiranga with saffron, white and green panels and a navy blue Ashok Chakra at the centre. Respecting the Indian flag is an obligation of every Indian citizen. To make things clear, Flag Code of India, 2002 contains rules regarding the display of the national flag.
The central government is campaigning for ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ on the auspicious occasion of India’s 75th Independence Day celebration - Aazadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. More than 20 crore Indian homes are preparing for hoisting of national flag between August 13 - 15, 2022. Due to this, it becomes crucial for Indian citizens to know the Flag Code of India, 2002. Find details on Indian flag rules and regulations in the blog below applicable to the general public.
Part 1 of the Flag Code of India, 2002 mainly focuses upon what the national flag of India shall look like. The pointers below explain the specifications in the Indian flag as mentioned in the Code:
Flag Size |
Dimensions (mm) |
Intended Use |
1 |
6300 X 4200 |
Display |
2 |
3600 X 2400 |
|
3 |
2700 X 1800 |
|
4 |
1800 X 1200 |
|
5 |
1350 X 900 |
|
6 |
900 X 600 |
|
7 |
450 X 300 |
Aircrafts on VVIP Flights |
8 |
225 X 150 |
Motor Cars |
9 |
150 X 100 |
Table Flags |
Part 2 of the National Flag Code, 2002 provides for the rules regarding the display of the national flag. There is no restriction over the display of the national flag of India by the general public, educational institutes, state or central governments, etc., when basic rules are followed.
However, use of Indian flag is restricted for the following purposes:
On the auspicious occasion of India’s 75th Independence Day, the government of India is campaigning for ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ initiative. Hence, some changes in the existing Flag Code of India were need of the hour. While one amendment was introduced in December 2021, the other was enforced in July 2022.
The government under ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign aims at around 20 crores homes in India hoisting the national flag of India between August 13-15, 2022.
Q- Who designed the national flag?
A- Pingali Venkayya, an Indian freedom fighter was the designer of the Indian tricolor flag that we all look upto with respect. The original design by Venkayya had all the three colours, i.e. saffron, white and green. The only difference between the present national flag and the one designed by him was that it included a Charkha (spinning wheel) on the white panel. However, it was replaced by the current Ashok Chakra to acknowledge the Lion capital of Ashoka from glorious Indian history.
Q- When was the Flag Code of India established?
A- Flag Code of India came into existence in 2002 assimilating the provisions of various laws like Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 and The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
Q- Where can the national flag be hoisted?
A- Generally, the Indian flag should be hoisted on buildings of national importance and government offices. However, hoisting of national flag is not restricted otherwise, provided that it is flown at a distinct and respectable position and all other obligations are duly followed in the honour of Tiranga.
Q- Can we hoist Indian flag with shoes?
A- The Flag Code of India does not restrict hoisting of the national flag with shoes on. Hence, one can not be booked for hoisting Indian flag while wearing shoes and it is not a disrespectful gesture. However, since Indian culture involves keeping footwear outside the place of religion and revered sentiments are connected with the Indian tricolour flag, it is good to show respect by removing your shoes before hoisting Indian flag.
Q- Can children hoist flags?
A- Yes, hoisting national flag of India by children is not prohibited but highly appreciated. Unless some disrespectful act is done, anyone can hoist the Tiranga. In fact, national days like Republic Day (January 26) and Independence Day (August 15) are an inescapable celebration in the educational institutes. Activities like these hold gravity in entailing national values in the budding citizens of India.
Q- What are the do's and don'ts of flag hoisting time?
A- Earlier, hoisting Indian flag was allowed specifically between sunrise and sunset. However, with the recent amendment to Flag Code of India, 2002, tricolor flag of India can be hoisted at night as well, provided that the area is illuminated enough for the flag to be visible.