Every year on July 22, India celebrates National Flag Day, also known as Tiranga Adoption Day, to honour the moment in history when the Indian National Flag was officially adopted by the Constituent Assembly in 1947. This year, it falls on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, marking 78 years since the adoption of the Tricolour—a symbol of India's hard-won freedom, unity, and values.
On July 22, 1947, just weeks before India gained independence, the Constituent Assembly adopted the current national flag, known as the Tiranga, meaning three colours. It was a powerful moment that gave India a common identity just before it became an independent country.
The Indian flag went through several changes before becoming what it is today. One of the earliest versions, designed by Sister Nivedita in 1904, featured red and yellow colours, representing power and victory, and carried the words “Vande Mataram” in Bengali script. Over the years, many variations appeared during the freedom struggle—each representing the hopes of a free India.
The final design adopted in 1947 featured three horizontal bands—saffron at the top, white in the middle, and green at the bottom—with a navy blue Ashoka Chakra (wheel) in the centre, replacing the earlier spinning wheel or charkha.
On August 15, 1947, as India broke free from British rule, Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the Tiranga for the first time as the Prime Minister of Independent India.
Each colour and symbol on the Indian national flag carries deep meaning:
Saffron (Top Band): Represents courage, strength, and the sacrifices made by freedom fighters.
White (Middle Band): Symbolises truth, peace, and honesty.
Green (Bottom Band): Reflects growth, prosperity, and India’s agricultural roots.
Ashoka Chakra (Blue Wheel): Also known as the wheel of law, it signifies the constant motion and progress of the nation.
The flag reminds every citizen of India’s journey, its struggles, and the shared responsibility to move forward with unity and purpose.
Voices from the Ground
Srishti Sharma, a 2nd year student, says:
“The Tiranga is not just a piece of cloth to me. It is a living symbol of who I am and where I belong. It reminds me that no matter where I go, my roots run deep in the soil of courage, peace and progress.”
Tripti Pal, a student in Delhi, shares:
“For me it's not just three colours stitched together - it's a symbol of pride, identity and generational sacrifice.”
Shantanu Singh, from Kanpur,UP, quietly says:
“The Tiranga reminds me of the photo on our wall - my brother in army uniform, smiling…who never came back, but the flag did.”
On this day, schools, government offices, and community groups hold activities to spread awareness about the flag’s history and significance. Events include:
Flag-hoisting ceremonies
Essay, quiz, and poster competitions
Educational talks about the Flag Code of India
Student-led cultural performances
While celebrating the flag, it’s equally important to treat it with respect, as laid out in the Flag Code of India. It ensures that the Tiranga is not used casually or in any disrespectful way. The code also allows citizens to hoist the national flag at home, provided it's done with dignity.
Conclusion: A Reminder of What Unites Us
National Flag Day is more than just a date. It’s a reminder of what binds us as a nation. The Tiranga stands tall for a billion dreams, diverse cultures, and a common identity. In times of celebration and in moments of crisis, it reminds every Indian of their duties, rights, and the shared dream of a better, united future.
So this July 22, don’t just look at the flag—look into it. Let it remind you of the sacrifices, the struggles, and the spirit of India.