National symbols of India facts for kids
The modern Republic of India (Hindi:भारत के राष्ट्रीय चिन्ह) has several official National symbols including a historical document, a flag, an emblem, an anthem, a memorial tower, and several national heroes. All the symbols were picked up at different times. The design of the national flag was officially adopted by the Constituent Assembly just 21 days before Independence, on July 24, 1947. There are also several other patriotic symbols including the national animal, bird, fruit, flower, and tree. They have all been carefully selected to show the image of India at its best. They are chosen to reflect Indian culture and beliefs and also the positive qualities often associated with Indian traditions.
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Other Indian National and official symbols
India has a diversity of religious beliefs and practices. The Republic of India is officially a Secular state and has no "State religion." The Indian subcontinent is the birthplace of four of the world's major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
Symbol | Name | Image | |
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Official name | Republic of India Hindi: भारत गणराज्य ("Bhārat Gaṇarājya") | ||
National flag | Flag of India ("Tiraṅgā") | ||
National emblem | State Emblem of India ("Lion Capital of Ashoka") | ||
National motto | Satyameva Jayate Sanskrit: सत्यमेव जयते ("Truth Alone Triumphs") | ||
National anthem | Jana Gana Mana ("Thou Art the Ruler of the Minds of All People") | ||
National song | Vande Mataram ("I bow to thee, O Mother!") | ||
National days | Independence Day and Republic Day | ||
National currency | Indian rupee ("₹, INR") | ||
National calendar | Indian national calendar | ||
National colors | Saffron, White and Green Sky blue (sports) |
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National cockade | Indian cockade | ||
National animal | Bengal tiger | ||
National heritage animal | Indian elephant | ||
National aquatic animal | South Asian river dolphin | ||
National reptile | King cobra | ||
National bird | Indian peacock | ||
National flower | Indian lotus | ||
National tree | Indian banyan | ||
National fruit | Mango | ||
National river | Ganges |
Interesting facts about the National symbols of India
- The national anthem of India was first sung on December 27, 1911, at the Kolkata Session of the Indian National Congress. It was not adopted as the national anthem until January 24, 1950.
- India's national bird, the peacock, is a symbol of grace and beauty.
- Until April 1973, the national animal was the lion. It is now the bengal tiger.
- The lotus is the flower of the goddess Laxmi and symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and fertility.
- The lotus grows in dirty water.
- India produces more than half of the world's mangoes.
- The saffron color in the flag represents strength and courage, the white in the middle tells us about peace, and the green at the bottom tells us about the growth and fertility of the land.
- The chakra (wheel) in the middle of the flag has 24 spokes representing 24 hours of the day. It represents the constant movement of life.
- The Banyan tree represents eternal life because of its ever-expanding branches.