1947: On this day, the tricolor flag received constitutional recognition and was hoisted for the first time in Kolkata. Its design has been changed six times since then

India is celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav this year, marking 75 years of independence. This day holds immense significance for all Indians. On this very day, July 22, in 1947, the Constituent Assembly adopted the tricolor as the national flag of India. Our current national flag consists of three horizontal stripes: saffron at the top, white in the middle, and dark green at the bottom. Its length-to-width ratio is 3:2. In the center of the white stripe is a dark blue Ashoka Chakra with 24 spokes. However, the tricolor flag we see today was not always this way. It is fascinating to learn about the transformations our national flag has undergone since its inception.

The country’s first unofficial flag: The country’s first flag was hoisted on August 7, 1906, at Parsi Bagan Square (Green Park) in Calcutta (now Kolkata). This tricolor flag had horizontal stripes of green at the top, yellow in the middle, and red at the bottom. The top green stripe featured lotus flowers, the bottom red stripe depicted the sun and moon, while the middle yellow stripe bore the inscription “Vande Mataram.” This flag was recently shown in the film RRR, which is set during that period.

The country’s second national flag: This flag was unfurled in Paris in 1907 by Madam Cama and some revolutionaries who were exiled with her. However, some believe this event took place in 1905. This flag was similar to the first one, but it featured saffron, green, and yellow as its three colors. It also included a sun and a moon with a star, and a different flower instead of the lotus. It was also hoisted in Berlin during a conference.

The third flag: The third flag clearly reflected the influence of British rule. It came into existence in 1917. This flag was hoisted by Lokmanya Tilak and Dr. Annie Besant during the Home Rule Movement. This flag consisted of five red and four green horizontal stripes alternating with each other. It also featured seven stars arranged in the shape of the constellation Ursa Major (the Big Dipper). The Union Jack was in the upper left corner, while a white crescent moon and star were in one of the other corners.

The fourth flag in 1921: During the All India Congress Committee session in Bezwada (Vijayawada) in 1921, a young man from Andhra Pradesh presented this flag to Mahatma Gandhi. It was red and green. The red color represented Hindus, while the green represented Muslims. Upon seeing it, Gandhiji suggested that a white stripe be added to represent the remaining communities of India, and a spinning wheel to symbolize the nation’s progress. And thus, the country’s fourth flag was created.

The fifth flag in 1931: In 1931, a resolution was passed to adopt the tricolor as our national flag. The fifth flag can be considered the predecessor of the current design. It consisted of saffron, white, and green stripes. The white stripe in the middle featured Gandhi’s spinning wheel. It also served as the battle emblem of the Indian National Army.