Happy Independence Day!
Despite being a national holiday, we have been immensely busy since morning. Roaring our favourite playlist of patriotic songs, hoisting the national flag in the neighbourhood, and not to mention, flaunting our ephemeral nationalism by mounting the Tiranga on our balconies.
Ephemeral? Now that word caught your attention, didn’t it?
How in the name of god can somebody dare to earmark our love for the nation in such a trivial way?
Okay, I apologize. But honestly, think how many times we actually sport the Indian flag throughout the year? And I’m not talking about government offices and defence premises. I am knocking on our homes and cars. A day, a week…maybe a month?
It’s mostly around Republic Day and Independence Day when the roads are flooded with underprivileged hawkers selling the most prestigious symbol of privilege – our freedom!
Believe it or not, we stumble upon more supermoons annually than our national flag.
And that’s because India is a country that takes pride in her diversity. We express our religion, our ideologies, our revolution, our love through different flags around the year. Here is a list of flags most commonly seen, far and wide, throughout India.
Flags of Religion:
1. The Hindu Flag

The Hindu flag, also known as the Ram Dhwaj or Bhagwa Dhwaj, is a sacred symbol of Hinduism, often featuring an image of Lord Ram or Mahadeva. The flag’s design and significance are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and culture. The Hindu flag’s design is attributed to the Hindu nationalist movement, particularly the Hindu Mahasabha, in the early 20th century. However, its origins can be traced back to the Maratha Empire (1674-1818), where a similar saffron-coloured flag was used as a symbol of Hindu pride and unity. Arguably, it’s the most visible flag, especially in the northern parts of the country, that embodies the Hindu identity, unity, and faith, and represents the community’s values, history, and spiritual aspirations.
2. The Sikh Flag

The Nishan Sahib (Meaning: Respected Ensign) is a revered symbol of Sikhism. It is triangular in design, and bears the xanthic (Basanti in Punjabi) colour, with the Khanda, a double-edged sword, in the centre. The flag represents the unity and sovereignty of the Sikh community. The Khanda is encircled by two curved swords, representing the spiritual (Piri) and temporal powers (Miri) of the Sikh Gurus. The flag is flown high at Gurudwaras and other Sikh institutions, signifying the presence of the divine and is treated with great respect and reverence by the Sikh community all over the world.
3. The Islamic Flag

The Islamic flag in India holds a significant place in the country’s rich heritage and history. Featuring a green background with a white crescent moon and star in the centre, the flag represents the religious beliefs, cultural heritage, and communal identity of the Islamic community. Unfortunately, the Islamic flag in India has also been a source of controversy and tension in recent years. Some political groups and individuals have questioned the use of the flag, claiming it represents a foreign influence and goes against the principles of Indian nationalism. While it may be a source of controversy and debate, the flag continues to be a powerful symbol of unity and pride for Muslims in India, that binds them together, transcending regional and linguistic barriers.
Flags of Region:
As of 2024, there are no officially recognised flags for individual states or union territories of India. However, some flags are still visible in regional pockets, as an icon of communal ideologies, history and heritage.
1. The Kannada Flag

The Kannada flag, also known as the Kannada Dhvaja, represents pride and identity for the Kannadigas in India & abroad. The flag’s design and significance are deeply rooted in the state’s rich history, culture, and language. The Kannada flag consists of two horizontal stripes: yellow on the top and red on the bottom, depicting auspiciousness and well-being. In the centre of the flag is an image of the mythical lion, Gandaberunda, that bespeaks bravery, strength, and royalty. The Kannada flag was first designed in the 1960s by Kannada activist and writer, Ma Ramamurthy, as an insignia of the Kannada language movement. Since then, it has been in the middle of several controversies related to its relevance and sanctity. Today, the flag flutters as the reflection of the state’s cultural heritage and unity, and a reminder of the history, traditions, and values of the Kannada-speaking people.
2. The Kashmir Flag

The Kashmir flag, also known as the Flag of Jammu and Kashmir, was a regalia of the erstwhile princely state and later the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The flag features a red background with a white plough in the centre, surrounded by three vertical stripes of green, white, and blue. Controversies surround the flag due to the disputed status of Kashmir. While on one hand, it exemplifies the identity and autonomy of Kashmiri people, others view it as a representation of separatism. In 2019, the Indian government abolished Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and the flag was no longer officially recognized. However, the flag continues to be flown by Kashmiri nationalists and is a powerful symbol of the region’s complex history and identity.
3. The Tamil Flag

Originally used by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a separatist organization that fought for an independent Tamil state in Sri Lanka, the Tamil Eelam flag reverberates Tamil nationalism and identity. The flag has an emblem depicting a tiger jumping through a circle of bullets, with crossed black bayonets on a red background. In India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, the flag is sometimes flown during protests and rallies, leading to tensions with the government. Some believe it’s a stamp of separatism and terrorism, while others consider it a representation of Tamil identity, self-determination and resistance against oppression. The flag’s use raises questions about nationalism, identity, and the rights of minority groups, making it a contentious symbol in the region.
Flags of Revolution:
1. The Maoist Flag

The Maoist flag in India is a symbol of the communist insurgency led by the Communist Party of India (Maoist), a banned organization. The flag features a red background with a hammer and sickle in the centre, surrounded by a circle of rice and wheat sheaves, representing the agricultural labourers and peasants who are the backbone of the Maoist movement. The flag is often displayed during Maoist rallies and propaganda events, particularly in areas where the group has a strong presence, such as in the tribal regions of central and eastern India. The Indian government views the flag as a symbol of rebellion and extremism, and its display is often met with a strong response from security forces. For Maoist supporters, the flag represents resistance against social and economic inequality and a fight for the rights of marginalized communities.
2. The Naxalite Flag

The Naxalite flag in India is a symbol of the leftist insurgency led by various Naxalite groups, including the Communist Party of India (Maoist). Similar to the Maoist flag, a Naxalite flag also features a red background with a hammer, sickle, and rifle in the centre, representing the armed struggle and the revolutionary communist beliefs of the Naxalite movement. The flag’s origins date back to the 1960s, when the Naxalbari uprising in West Bengal sparked a nationwide movement against social and economic inequality. Since then, the flag has become a point of contention in the ongoing struggle between the government and Naxalite forces, with each side using it as a marker of their respective ideologies and intentions.
3. The Dalit Flag

The Dalit Flag, also known as the Jai Bheem Flag, personifies the pride and identity of the Dalit community in India. The flag features a blue background with a white wheel in the centre, known as the Ashok Chakra, and the words “Jai Bheem” (Victory to Bheem) written in bold letters. The flag is associated with B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution and a champion of Dalit rights. The Ashok Chakra represents the Buddhist heritage of Ambedkar, who converted to Buddhism in 1956. The colour blue represents the sky and the ocean, symbolizing the infinite and boundless potential of the Dalit community. The Jai Bheem Flag is flown at Dalit gatherings, rallies, and protests, and is a powerful symbol of resistance against caste oppression and social injustice. It represents the community’s struggle for equality, justice, and human rights. For many Dalits, the flag is a source of inspiration and pride, and a reminder of their rich cultural heritage and history.
Flag of Roadtrips:
The Tibetan Buddhist Flags

Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags, also known as “Dar Cho,” are colourful flags inscribed with sacred mantras, prayers, and symbols. They are an integral part of Tibetan Buddhist tradition and culture. The flags are typically made of cotton or silk and feature vibrant colours, each representing a different element: blue (sky), white (wind), red (fire), green (water), and yellow (earth). The flags are printed with sacred texts, such as the mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum,” believed to bring peace, prosperity, and good fortune. Tibetans believe that the wind carries the prayers and mantras on the flags to the heavens, spreading blessings and positivity. The flags are often hung in high places, such as mountain tops, monasteries, and homes, to catch the wind and maximize their spiritual impact. After religious flags, this is perhaps the most ubiquitous in India, thanks to mountain bikers and road trippers.
Flag of Resilience:
The Pride Flag

The LGBTQ+ flag or the Pride flag is a symbol of pride, diversity, and inclusivity for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community in India. The flag exhibits six colours – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple – each representing a different aspect of the community. The Pride flag was first introduced in India in the early 2000s, as the LGBTQ+ movement began to gain momentum. Today, it is a universal symbol of pride and identity, flown at parades, rallies, and events across the country. In India, where same-sex relationships were criminalized until 2018, the Pride flag represents a powerful motif of resistance and resilience. It is a beacon of hope for a community that has faced centuries of discrimination and marginalization.
Flags are more than just pieces of fabric. They are the silent voices of individualism, ideas, and ideologies. Historically, flags have been instrumental in both shaping and mirroring the cultural identity and heritage of societies. They embody the essence of nations and communities, showcasing the values, historical narratives, and aspirations of a culture, all within a singular emblem.
While we will uphold our flags of personal beliefs, opinions and cultural dignity, let’s celebrate the unity in this diversity and march ahead together as one nation.
If you come across any other flag of significant importance, do let us know in the comments.