National Symbols of India

The official Indian National Flag follows a 2:3 ratio of width to length. This means if the width is 2 units, the length is 3 units. This proportion is specified in the Flag Code of India and maintained for all official representations.

The Constituent Assembly of India adopted the National Flag on July 22, 1947, shortly before independence. This date marks the official acceptance of the tricolor flag, though it became the official flag of independent India on August 15, 1947.

The Ashoka Chakra (Wheel) in the centre of the Indian National Flag is navy blue. It represents the eternal wheel of law and dharma. The chakra has 24 spokes symbolizing continuous progress.

Rabindranath Tagore composed 'Jana Gana Mana,' which was adopted as India's National Anthem. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee wrote 'Vande Mataram' (National Song), while Sarojini Naidu and Mahatma Gandhi were not composers of national anthems.

Jana Gana Mana was first sung on December 27, 1911 at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress. This was during the annual session presided over by Pandit Bishan Narayan Dar.

The shorter version of India's National Anthem is approximately 20 seconds long. This abbreviated version is typically used for ceremonial occasions where time is limited, while containing the essence of the anthem.

The complete version of Jana Gana Mana takes approximately 52 seconds to sing. This full version includes all five stanzas and is performed during more formal or complete ceremonial occasions.

Vande Mataram, India's National Song, was first sung in 1896 during the Indian National Congress session in Calcutta. It was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and included in his novel Anand Math (1882).

The Constituent Assembly of India officially adopted 'Jana Gana Mana' as the National Anthem on January 24, 1950. This was just two days before India became a Republic on January 26, 1950.

Vande Mataram was adopted as India's National Song on January 24, 1950 - the same day the National Anthem was adopted by the Constituent Assembly. It was given equal status with Jana Gana Mana.

The peacock was officially designated as India's National Bird in 1963. This designation was made due to the bird's cultural and religious significance in Indian tradition, as well as its widespread presence across the country.

Bankim Chandra Chatterjee composed Vande Mataram in the 1870s and included it in his Bengali novel Anand Math published in 1882. Rabindranath Tagore composed the National Anthem, not the National Song.

Vande Mataram is taken from Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's novel 'Anand Math' published in 1882. The song appears in the context of the Sannyasi Rebellion against British rule. Geetanjali is Tagore's work.

Sri Aurobindo translated Vande Mataram into English, capturing its spirit and meaning. His translation helped spread the song's message beyond Bengali-speaking regions during the freedom movement.

The tiger was officially adopted as India's national animal in 1972, following the launch of Project Tiger in April 1973 to conserve the dwindling tiger population. The lion had been the national animal symbol earlier.

National Flag Day is observed on December 7th each year to commemorate the adoption of the Indian national flag by the Constituent Assembly on December 7, 1947. The flag became the official flag of the Dominion of India.

The State Emblem of India features four lions standing back to back, though only three are visible in the 2D representation. It is adapted from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath.

The Quit India Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi on August 8, 1942, but August 19th is observed as Quit India Day to commemorate this historic movement that demanded immediate independence from British rule.

The Ashoka Chakra (Dharmachakra) in the center of the Indian flag has 24 spokes, representing the 24 qualities/hours of the day or the 24 rishis of Himalayan tradition who revered the sun.

National Integration Day is celebrated on November 19th, which is the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It commemorates her contribution to national unity and integration.

The lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) was declared the national flower of India in 1950. It holds sacred significance in Hindu and Buddhist traditions and symbolizes purity, beauty, and non-attachment.

The Lion Capital of Ashoka, from which the National Emblem is adapted, is located at Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh. This is where Buddha delivered his first sermon after enlightenment (Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta).

Martyr's Day (Shaheed Diwas) is observed on January 30th to mark the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948. A silence of two minutes is observed at 11 AM across the country in his memory.