Colours speak louder than words. Red is sacrifice and violence, blue is calmness, and yellow is cheerful and energetic. Each hue can speak volumes without the need to say a single word. More than just visual elements, colours have the potency to evoke certain feelings, memories, and even cultural connections. 

Just as colours can stir certain emotions in everyday life, they hold deep significance in a flag. Shades within flags represent a nation’s history, culture and people. Take India for instance, one of the oldest and continuous civilizations still standing today. The three horizontal stripes perfectly represent the rich history, culture and values of this vibrant and diverse nation that dates back thousands of years, while also embodying its aspirations for the future. 

With its vibrant hues of saffron, white and green, and the iconic Ashoka Chakra, the Indian flag reflects the county’s rich heritage, cultural values and unity that has been the foundation of the nation for centuries. Each colour and symbol carries a profound connection to India’s past, present and future. Let’s explore each one of them so you can buy an Indian flag and embrace its rich meaning and significance.

Saffron

In the national flag of India, the top band is of saffron colour that ranges from deep, rich orange-red to lighter, golden-yellow tones. This vivid shade of yellow or orange is named after one of the most expensive and venerated spices in the world. It symbolises courage, sacrifice and spirituality. 

In India, saffron represents the spirit of selflessness and the pursuit of higher ideals such as truth, compassion and non-violence. These are the ethical aspects of various spiritual philosophies and practices that can be found here, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. It means valuing the group above the individual and putting the needs of the community, nation or humanity above self-interest.

White

The middle band of the flag is white. This colour indicates peace and the pursuit of truth. It also represents the diversity of the nation’s people coming together in harmony. There are 22 official languages, 28 states and 6 major religions in the country of the Ganges River and the majestic Himalayan Mountains, making it one of the most unique and vibrant societies in the world.

Despite its vast diversity, Bharat has maintained a sense of unity that binds its people together. This perfectly aligns with the white band in the Indian flag, which symbolises harmony. Positioned at the centre, it serves as a reminder that despite the different regions, languages and religions, the nation thrives on unity and mutual respect. 

Green

The bottom stripe of the flag is green. This colour is a symbol of life, abundance, relation to soil and prosperity. It represents the country’s fertile land, its rich agricultural heritage and the deep relationship between the people and the soil. Agriculture is often considered the main economic activity in India and the backbone of its civilization. 

Furthermore, the country has a deep connection to sustainable and organic farming, with around 800,000 farmers adopting natural farming methods that emphasise harmony between nature and cultivation. Green also signifies growth, renewal and harmony with nature, reflecting the nation’s commitment to progress while staying rooted in its traditions. This vibrant colour serves as a reminder of the country’s lush forests, fertile lands and abundant biodiversity. 

Ashoka Chakra

Besides the Saffron, green and white, another significant element of the Indian flag is the Ashoka Chakra. It’s positioned at the centre of the white band, meaning that it’s at the heart of the nation’s values and principles. 

This symbol is a 24-spoke wheel that symbolises the eternal wheel of law and the progress of the nation. It draws inspiration from the Dhamma Chakra (Wheel of Dharma) on the Lion Capital of Ashoka, a historical emblem that represents the teachings of Emperor Ashoka and the principles of righteousness, justice, and truth.

Mahatma Gandhi was the first one who proposed a flag with the Charkha or spinning wheel at the centre as a symbol of self-reliance and economic independence during India’s struggle for independence. Over time, the Charkha was replaced by the Ashoka Chakra in the final design of the national flag after India’s independence in 1947.

To Sum Up

Whether you’re celebrating Independence Day, Republic Day or simply want to display your love for Bharat, purchasing the Tiranga is a great way to embrace the spirit of Bharat and all that its three colours represent. Many online stores offer Indian flags in a range of sizes and styles. Whether you want to display it at home, in an office or at national events, the Tiranga comes in various sizes. The 90 x 60 cm flags are a common choice for home display, while smaller ones like 30 x 20 cm designs are great for office desks, vehicles and indoor spaces.