Independence Day: Know all about the 'National Flag' of India!

India is all set to celebrate the 69th Independence Day on August 15. Every year, the commemoration of India's independence from the British Empire enlightens the felling of patriotism among the citizens.On 15 August 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru, who had become the first Prime Minister of India that day, raised the Indian national flag above the Lahore Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi.Since then, on each subsequent Independence Day, the Prime Minister hoists the flag and gives a speech from the ancient monument.It surely is a reflection of how much the national flag means to our country. Tricolour had played an integral part in India's struggle for Independence against the British rule.So, before we get indulge in the Independence Day celebrations, let's take a step towards understanding our flag better!1. What is the difference between a flag and a National- flag?Ans- A flag is a piece of cloth attached to a flagpole, representing a clan, community, army, and office of authority, industrial house or an individual. In modern times a flag is commonly rectangular varying is size, color and the design on it. On the contrary, a National-flag is more than a piece of cloth. It is the most solemn and constitutionally or traditionally authorized symbol of a country. It represents the whole country, the entire nation, its ideals, hopes, aspirations and the pride. People throughout the history of mankind have laid down life for their National-flag, as it is the strongest patriotic2. What is the nickname of our National-flag?Ans- We fondly call our flag Tiranga, meaning having three colors. The nickname,However, is a misnomer because the flag in fact has four colors not three as is commonly understood? The forth colour blue of the Chakra is often not mentioned being a secondary3. When was the National-flag for Independent India adopted?Ans- After the British government declared to free India on the 15th of August 1947, Indian leaders realized the need to have a National flag for Independent India. Accordingly, an ad-hoc Flag Committee was formed to finalize the Flag. On its recommendation the Constituent Assembly on 22nd July 1947 adopted the Tiranga as the National-flag for free-India.4. Name the person, whose design of the National-flag for free-India was finally acceptedby the Constituent Assembly in 1947.Ans- The design of the National-flag for Independent India submitted by Mrs. SuriayaBadr-ud-Din Tyabi was finally approved and accepted by the Flag Committee on 17th July 1947. She was an artist of repute and her husband B.H.F. Tyabji (ICS) was then a Deputy Secretary in the Secretariat of the Constituent Assembly.5. Name the official book/ booklet that lays down the Code for the use of our National- Flag?Ans- It is the 'Flag Code of India'6. Can you fly your National- flag at your home or at your workplace on all the 365 days of the year?Ans- Yes. In 2002, the Government of India had allowed citizens to fly the National-flag onall days, but by then it was not a Fundamental Right.7. Between what time to what time is the National-flag normally flown during day time?Ans- The flag is normally flown between sunrise and sunset.8. On what occasions do we fly the National-flag at half-mast?Ans- In the event of death of certain dignitaries recognized by the centre/state governments, the National-flag shall be half-mast at certain places and for specified days.9. Can you fly a miniature National-flag inside your car?Ans- Yes, Indian citizens can fly the National-flag inside their car on the dash board or on10. Can you write a patriotic slogan or a message on the face of our National-flag?Ans- No, lettering of any kind is not to be put upon the Flag11. Can you print, stitch, embroider Tiranga as a part of your dressor costume if yes is there any restrictions?Ans- Yes you can do so, but not below the waistline.12. Can you embroider or print the image of Tiranga on cushions, handkerchiefs, napkins or undergarments, etc?Ans-No, it is not allowed, nor is it desirable13. How is an old, unclean, mutilated or torn national- flag disposed off?Ans- It is destroyed in whole in private preferably by burning or by any other method consistent with the dignity of the flag such as burying it deep with respect or by immersing it into the Ganga duly unfolded.14. While using the Tiranga on adead body how is the flag placed on the body- horizontally or vertically?Ans- It is placed horizontally on the chest of the deceased the saffron band is to touch the neck of the body the flag must not be placed over the body or coffin like a Chadar to avoid touching the feet of the deceased15. How is the flag placed on the dead body of a person disposed off?Ans-The flag placed on a dead body is destroyed in private, away from the public gaze preferably by burning or burying it deep or immersing it into Ganga16. Can the national flag be flown during night? If yes, what are the restrictions?Ans- The flag can be flown during night hours provided; it is on a 100ft high or above flagpole and is adequately illuminated.17. On a day when it is raining heavily do you have to lower the national flag?Ans- No, the flag is to fly between sunrise and sunset regardless of whether conditions.18.When the Tiranga is to be flown with the national- flag of another country which side will the Tiranga be placed or flown- to the right or to the left?Ans-While flying Tiranga besides another country's national- flag, it will be placed flown to the left as one looks at it.19. When state mourning is declared by the government on the death of a VVIP is the members of the public suppose to fly the flag at half- mast?Ans- No, the general public is not suppose to half-mast the flag; however, they may do so at their discretion. It is so because the flag is to be half- masted only on Govt. buildings on receiving instructions from the Government. Since no instructions are issued to public to half mast the flag members of public are not obliged to do so.20. When our national- flag is flown with the united nation's flag, on which side of it will the Tiranga fly?Ans- When the Tiranga is flown besides the UN flag it can be flown either side of it.