Gandhi Jayanti: World's largest ‘Khadi national flag’ installed in Leh

New Delhi, Oct 02: In a matter of pride for India, World's largest Khadi national flag was installed in Leh, Ladakh on the 152nd birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 02.

The flag was unveiled by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Shri RK Mathur, who said the Monumental National Flag would bind every Indian together with the patriotic spirit. Chairman KVIC Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, MP from Ladakh Shri JT Namgyal and Chief of Army Staff General MM Narawane were present on the occasion.

The Monumental National Flag measures 225 feet long, 150 feet wide and weighs (approx.) 1400 kg. Making of this monumental National Flag has created nearly 3500 man hours of additional work for Khadi artisans and allied workers. A whopping 4600 meters of hand-spun, hand-woven Khadi cotton bunting has been used in making the flag which covers the total area of 33,750 square feet. The Ashok Chakra in the flag measures a diameter of 30 feet. It took 49 days for 70 Khadi artisans to prepare this flag.

KVIC has conceptualized and prepared the flag to celebrate "Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav", the 75 years of Independence. Since, handling and displaying the National Flag of this dimension required utmost care and precision, KVIC has handed over the flag to the Indian Army. The Army has displayed the flag on a hilltop in the main Leh city. The Army has prepared a frame to display the flag so that it does not touch the ground.

The flag has been divided into 9 equal parts weighing 100 kg each and each part measures 50 x 75 feet. Nefa has been provided on all four sides that contains 12 mm rope. A total of 12 high quality nylon ropes - i.e. 3 ropes each on top & bottom sides and 3 ropes on left & right sides have been provided with the breaking load capacity of approx. 3000 Kgs.

Further, each rope has a loop on both the ends that can collectively hold the weight of the flag. These parts have been stitched together to make the flag and joints have been stitched in such way that the ropes inside the nefa will remain invisible. The inner lining of nefa is made of chemically coated Khadi bunting that reduces the friction from the ropes and prevent damage to the flag's fabric. Nefa has been provided in the tri-color so as to merge with the colors of the flag.

"It is a moment of great pride for India that on Gandhi ji's Jayanti, the world's largest Khadi Tiranga is unveiled in Leh, Ladakh. I salute this gesture which commemorates Bapu's memory, promotes Indian artisans and also honours the nation," Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya tweeted.

It is a moment of great pride for 🇮🇳 that on Gandhi ji's Jayanti, the world's largest Khadi Tiranga is unveiled in Leh, Ladakh.

I salute this gesture which commemorates Bapu's memory, promotes Indian artisans and also honours the nation.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat! pic.twitter.com/cUQTmnujE9

— Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) October 2, 2021

"This national flag is the world's largest flag made of Khadi. Its length is 225 ft, width 150 ft, and weighs 1400 kg. The flag covers 37,500 sq ft area. It took 49 days to complete this flag," said Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chairman, Khadi and Village Industries Commission in Leh.

"Gandhi Ji had said that our flag is a symbol of unity, humanity, and a sign accepted by everyone in the country. It's a symbol of greatness for the country...In coming years, this flag (in Leh) will be a sign of enthusiasm for our soldiers, said R. K. Mathur, Lt Governor, Ladakh.

On October 2 every year, Mahatma Gandhi is remembered not only in India but all over the world.He remains a source of inspiration for all the humanity. His message of truth, non-violence and love paves the way for the welfare of the world by bringing harmony and equality in the society.

Since 2007, the day is also observed worldwide as the UN Day of Non-Violence in commemoration of the great leader who gave the world the message of peace, non-violence and universal brotherhood.