The flag of India, like all flags, is a source of national pride, symbol of cultural identity, and representation of values held by a group of people that- as diverse as they are- indeed are unified under the flag.

Recently, I was looking for ideas to create the flag of India for our upcoming International Week at school. I stumbled upon a wonderful blog called Putti Prapancha, with an idea to make the flag of India out of pulses: lentils, split peas, and we used rice for the white stripe. Here is our version:

The deep saffron orange strip represents courage and sacrifice, the middle white stripe represents truth and purity, and the bottom green stripe symbolizes peace and prosperity. The blue circle in the middleis called Ashoka Chakra, Ashoka’s dharma chakra, or the wheel of the law of dharma. (see right).  Each of the 24 spokes depict a virtues: love, courage, patience, peacefulness, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, selflessness, self-sacrifice, truthfulness, righteousness, justice, mercy, graciousness, humility, empathy, sympathy, supreme knowledge, supreme wisdom, supreme morality, love for all beings, and faith in the goodness of God.

Roopashri, the author of our inspiration for the flag craft, has graciously given me permission to post this, and several other creative and fun craft ideas to make the Indian flag.

I am Roopashri, born and brought up in India. Residing in the USA for the last 7 yrs and on my blog “Putti Prapancha” I share all the creative things that I do with my beautiful 4 year old daughter, Putti. I am always looking for fun filled ideas to teach my little daughter about my country (India), our traditions, and my native language Kannada. You can find many posts about these on my blog. Click on the links below for instructions and more pictures of projects that feature the Indian flag!

Flag of India Crafts for Kids

Roopashri’s Original Flag of India Made of Pulses

Rolled paper Flag of India

Single Handprint Flag of India

Flag of India with Multiple Hand Prints

Finally, Roopashri has collected wonderful projects from around the web in honor of India’s independence day. See her “Link Round-Up” for even more clever flag ideas.

Thank you so much for sharing with us Roopashri! We love your crafts and ideas to make the flag of India! Dhanyavadagalu!