National Symbols

The National Symbols are National Identity Elements of India. These symbols are intrinsic elements of Indian heritage, culture, and identity. All Indians are proud of the National Symbols, as they infuse a sense of patriotism and pride in the heart of every Indian.

National Flag

The National Flag is a horizontal flag of India. It has three rows of different colors, with each color of a row signifying something. 

• The Saffron (Kesaria) color at the top signifies the strength and courage of the country.
• The Middle row with White Color denotes peace.
• The Dharma Chakra with 24 spokes denotes truth,
• The Green Color at the bottom signifies the growth, auspiciousness, and prosperity and fertility of the land.

The design of the Dharma Chakra of the wheel with 24 spokes has been taken from the abacus of the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka.

The diameter of the Chakra is approximately the same as the width of the white band.

The National Flag was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on 22nd July, 1947.

The display of the Indian National Flag is governed by the provisions of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, along with the Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act, 1971. Apart from these provisions, the non-statutory instructions given by the Government of India from time to time helps govern the display of the National Flag.

Flag Code of India

The Flag Code of India, 2002 is an attempt to bring all the conventions, laws, guidelines, provisions, and instructions in a codified manner to help guide and benefit the display of the National Flag.

• On 26th January, 2002, the Flag Code of India came into effect.
• As a result, the ‘Flag Code-India’ was superseded by the Flag Code of India of 2002.
• Display of the National Flag by members of the general public is NOT restricted.
• Similarly, the National Flag can be displayed by private organizations and educational institutions.
• However, the limitations provided by the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, along with the Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act, 1971, should be abided by.

National Anthem

Originally composed by Rabindra Nath Tagore, the National Anthem of India was composed in Bengali, and later adopted in its Hindi version by the Constituent Assembly on 24th January 1950.

• It was first sung at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress on the 27th December, 1911.
• While the complete song was written with five stanzas, the National Anthem includes the first stanza. The anthem has to be sung approximately in 52 seconds.

National Song

Composed in Sanskrit by Bankimchandra Chatterji, Vande Mataram acted as a source of inspiration during the freedom struggle. It was adopted on the same day by the Constituent Assembly, i.e. on 24th January 1950. Dr. Rajendra Prasad remarked that the song Vande Mataram would be honored equally with Jana Gana Mana, having an equal status.

Vande Mataram was sung in the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress for the first time. It was a part of Anand Math, a novel written by Bankimchandra Chatterji in 1882.

National Bird

The peacock is the National Bird of India. The scientific name of the peacock is Pavo cristatus. 

A peacock is a colorful swan shaped bird, having a fan-shaped crest of colorful feathers, which during the rainy season is a splendid sight to watch at. The male of the species is more colorful than the female, having blue breast and bronze-green tail. 

National Flower

With the scientific name – Nelumbo Nucifera Gaertn, Lotus is the National Flower of the country. It is considered a sacred flower with aesthetic significance. 

A lot of art and mythological happenings mention the use of Lotus in sacred occasions. Hence, Lotus has been an important sign of Indian culture and tradition for a very long time.

National Tree

Banyan tree, with the scientific name Ficus bengalensis, is the National Tree of India. The branches of the Banyan tree act like roots in itself, giving rise to more trunks and branches.

Due to the longevity of the Banyan tree, it is considered immortal, as well as an integral part of the mythology of India. In fact, the village life in India considers it a focal point of discussions, with most village councils taking place under the shade of this aesthetic tree.

National River

Ganga, the longest river of India, is the national river of India. Flowing over 2,510 km of valleys, mountains and plains, the river originates as Bhagirathi in the snowfields of the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas.

Ganga is later joined by rivers like Alaknanda, Yamuna, Son, Gumti, Kosi and Ghagra. 

Being one of the most fertile river basins of the country, the river covers an area of more than 10 lakh sq km.

National Animal

Scientifically named Panthera tigris, Tiger is our national animal. With a thick yellow coat of fur having black stripes, the tiger symbolizes grace, agility, strength, and enormous power. 

The Royal Bengal Tiger, one of the eight known races of the species, is found in every part of the country, except for the North-Western region.

In order to save the dwindling population of tigers, the Government of India started with “Project Tiger”, a project launched in April 1973 to protect the national animal.

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