17 Official National Symbols of India: A Complete Guide to National Pride

India's national symbols are more than just emblems; they represent the country's rich history, diverse culture, and the core values that bind its people together. From the iconic Tiranga to the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, these 17 symbols encapsulate the spirit of India.

The Core Pillars of National Identity

The Indian National Flag, the Tiranga, was designed by Pingali Venkayya and adopted on July 22, 1947. Its saffron band signifies strength and courage, while the white middle band represents peace, truth, and houses the Dharma Chakra—a 24-spoke wheel inspired by the Sarnath Lion Capital, symbolizing continuous progress. The green band reflects India’s fertility and prosperity.

Our National Anthem, Jana-gana-mana, was composed by Rabindranath Tagore. First performed publicly on December 27, 1911, the Hindi version was officially adopted by the Constituent Assembly on January 24, 1950. Alongside it, Vande Mataram, penned by Bankimchandra Chatterji in his novel Anand Math, holds equal status as the national song.

Importance of National Symbols of India

• They exemplify the rich cultural tapestry that forms the core of the Indian nation.
• They instill a profound sense of pride and belonging in the hearts of Indian citizens.
• They represent qualities unique to the Indian spirit and its diverse population.
• They elevate the global recognition and popularity of the symbols themselves.
• They encourage the conservation and preservation of India's natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

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Summary of National Symbols

S. No.	Title	National Symbols
1	National Flag	Tiranga
2	National Anthem	Jana Gana Mana
3	National Calendar	Saka calendar
4	National Song	Vande Mataram
5	National Emblem	National Emblem of India
6	National Fruit	Mango
7	National River	Ganga
8	National Animal	Royal Bengal Tiger
9	National Tree	Indian Banyan
10	National Aquatic Animal	Ganges River Dolphin
11	National Bird	Indian Peacock
12	National Currency	Indian Rupee
13	National Reptile	King Cobra
14	National Heritage Animal	Indian Elephant
15	National Flower	Lotus
16	National Vegetable	Pumpkin
17	Oath of Allegiance	National Pledge

The Saka Calendar

Introduced by the Calendar Reform Committee, the Saka Calendar was adopted on March 22, 1957. It aligns with the solar cycle and is used alongside the Gregorian calendar.

Months	Dates
Chaitra	21st March - 20th April
Vaishakha	21st April - 21st May
Jyeshtha	22nd May - 21st June
Ashadha	22nd June - 22nd July
Shravana	23rd July - 22nd August
Bhadra	22nd August - 22nd September
Became	23rd September - 22nd October
Kartika	23rd October - 21st November
Agrahayana	22nd November - 21st December
Pausha	22nd December - 20th January
Magha	21st January - 19th February
Phalguna	20th February - 20th/21st March

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the national flag of India called?

The Indian National Flag is known as the Tiranga and was designed by Pingali Venkayya.

What is the National Song Of India called?

The national song of India is "Vande Mataram," composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.

When was the National Anthem of India sung for the 1st time?

The National Anthem of India was first performed on 27th December 1911 at the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress.

Who designed the symbol of the National Rupee?

The symbol for the Indian National Rupee was designed by Udaya Kumar Dharmalingam.