How to Salute the Indian Flag

The Indian flag is also known as the "tricolor."

Adopted in its current form in 1947, the Indian flag features three equal-sized bands of color: saffron on top, white in the middle and green at the bottom. The flag also features a navy-blue colored chakra, or wheel, in the middle of the white stripe. The chakra must be three-fourths of the height of the white strip, with overall proportions of the flag at a ratio of 2:3 for height and width. The Indian Flag Code governs use of the tricolor flag.

Instructions

1. Salute the Indian flag during any ceremonies to raise or lower the flag or during parades or military activities. This especially applies to those in uniform. To salute, raise your right hand to your forehead with your hand straight and your palm facing outward. Your fingers should point to the left with the bottom of your index finger located at the top center of your right eyebrow.

2. Show respect by saluting the flag while it passes in a parade or other moving procession. Remove any non-religious head gear while saluting the flag.

3. Play the national anthem after saluting the flag. Do not let the flag touch the ground or turn it upside down. Display the flag only in accordance with the 2002 Indian flag code.

References

• Bharatadesam: Flag of India
• Government of India: Flag Code of India, 2002