Independence Day: Facts about Indian tricolour that you may have missed
New Delhi: Have you ever wondered where the National flag of India is made? Can anyone produce and sell the tricoloured flag? Can you make it at home? Can any flag be hoisted in a public space?
You may have come across several paper or plastic flags. Many are sold in small shops to be used as decorations for National Holiday on August 15 or Jan 26.
Here are some facts about the Tricolour that you might know
Who makes the flags?
The original cloth flag can be made by only one place called the Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha or KKGSS.
KKGHS is the only place where Indian cloth flags can be officially made. They are the only licensed manufacturer and supplier of the Indian National Flag. KKGSS which is situated in Bengeri village near Hubli city in Dharwad district, Karnataka was found in 1957 with the intention to promote the usage of Khadi and also promote the growth of other local industries.
Where are the flags produced by them used?
The flag that is unfurled at the Red Fort, the India Gate, Parliament Building and Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi is made by KKGSS.
The flags used by the Defence forces.
Any government building or office of importance use-flags made by the Sangha.
The flag used in the vehicles of the President, Prime Minister or other ministers
The flags placed on the tables of government offices
Why is KKGSS the only manufacturer of flags?
This federation is approved by the Bureau of India Standards (BIS) which is an authority on the manufacture and correct usage of the Indian flags. BIS also prescribes the design, construction and other specifications. All the flags made by KKGSS are first approved by BIS and only then supplied to the buildings of importance.
What is the Flag Code?
The Flag Code of India, 2002 lays down a set of laws, practices and conventions that apply to the display of the national flag of India. It has been divided into three parts.
Part I has a general description of the national flag.
Part II focuses on the display of the national flag by members of the public, private organisations, educational institutions, etc.
Part III of the code relates to the display of the national flag by union and state governments and their organisations and agencies.
What is the Indian Tricolour made of?
The Flag Code of India 2002 dictates that only Khadi or hand-spun cloth can be used in the making of the Tiranga. Only cotton, silk and wool can be used as the raw materials for the manufacturing of Khadi.
The thickness & the evenness of the yarn used in making the cloth is important. The different pieces of cloth are dyed in the three colours (saffron, white & green) and then stitched together. The flags are then steamed and folded.
Attention is paid to the quality of dyes so that if the flag is exposed to rain or harsh sunlight, the colours don’t run or fade easily The unfurling of a National Flag made out of any other material can lead to imprisonment up to 3 years and a fine.
Is the shape & size of our National Flag specified?
The Flag Code of 2020 specifies that the Indian Flag must be rectangular in shape with length to width ratio at 3:2 ratio. The flag can be made of 9 different sizes each meant for a different purpose or having a different place of display.
1. 6300 X 4200
2. 3600 X 2400
3. 2700 X 1800
4. 1800 X 1200
5. 1350 X 900
6. 900 X 600
7. 450 X 300
8. 225 X 150
9. 150 x 100
Flag code also dictates the appropriate size chosen for display.
The 450X300 mm size flag is used by aircraft on VVIP flights
225X150 mm flag is meant for government vehicles
150X100 mm size is for table flags.
The largest size (14x21 feet in size ) is hoisted at Gwalior Fort, Kolhapur Raigad Fort and Nalgonda Fort.
Many will be missing the elaborate Independence Day celebrations due to the coronavirus pandemic, but when you watch the flags unfurl on the television, you will know where the flag came from.
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