The
national anthem of India, Jana-gana-mana, was composed by the great
poet Rabindranath Tagore and was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of
India on January 24th 1950. Jana-gana-mana was first sung on 27th
December, 1911 at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress.
The songs, Jana-gana-mana, consists of five stanzas. The first stanza
constitutes the full version of the National Anthem.
Tiger
(Panthera Tigris, Linnaeus) is the national animal of India. Tiger is
also called the lord of Jungles. As the national animal of India, tiger
symbolizes India's wildlife wealth. The rare combination of grace,
strength, agility and enormous power has earned the tiger great respect
and high esteem.
Peacock
(Pavo cristatus), which is a symbol of grace, joy, beauty and love is
the national bird of India. Peacock occupies a respectable position in
Indian culture and is protected not only by religious sentiments but
also by parliamentary statute.
The
national calendar of India is based on the Saka Era with Chaitra as its
first month and a normal year of 365 days. The national calendar of
India was adopted on March 22nd 1957. Dates of the Indian national
calendar have a permanent correspondence with the Gregorian calendar
dates- 1 Chaitra falling on 22 March normally and on 21 March in leap
year.
The
National Emblem of India has been taken from the Sarnath Lion capital
erected by Ashoka. The national emblem of India was adapted by the
Government of India on 26th January1950. In the National emblem only
three lions are visible and the fourth one is hidden from the view.
The
national flag of India is tricolor. It has deep saffron color strip at
the top, white in the middle and dark green at the bottom in equal
proportions. The width and length ratio of the National flag is two is
to three. In the centre of the white strip, there is a wheel in navy
blue color to indicate the Dharma Chakra, the wheel of law in the
Sarnath Lion Capital.
Lotus
is the National flower of India. The Lotus symbolizes spirituality,
fruitfulness, wealth, knowledge and illumination. The most important
thing about lotus is that even after growing in murky water it is
untouched by its impurity. On the other hand the lotus symbolizes purity
of heart and mind.
Mango
(Mangifera Indica) is the National fruit of India. Mango is one of the
most widely grown fruits of the tropical countries. In India, mango is
cultivated almost in all parts, with the exception of hilly areas. Mango
is a rich source of Vitamins A, C and D. In India, we have hundreds of
varieties of mangoes. They are of different sizes, shapes and colors.
Hockey
is the National Game of India. Hockey has been played in India for time
immemorial. There was a golden period of Indian hockey when hockey
stalwarts of India ruled the game. On the international scenario there
were no competitors to match the magical hands of Indian hockey
players.
The
National song of India is Vande Mataram. It was composed by the famous
poet, Bankim Chandra Chaterjee in the year 1875. Rabindranath sang the
National song (Vande Mataram) by setting a magnificent tune and Shri
Aurobindo interpreted the deep meaning of the song.
Banyan
is the National tree of India. The mighty banyan tree commands a great
presence in the rural setting of India. The very size of the banyan tree
makes it a habitat for a large number of creatures. For centuries the
banyan tree has been a central point for the village communities of
India.
