Nanded’s Khadi flag demand soars nationwide ahead of Independence Day, Flags worth Rs.30 Lakhs sold
Nanded's Khadi flag demand soars nationwide ahead of Independence Day, Flags worth Rs.30 Lakhs sold
As Independence Day approaches, the Khadi Gram Udyog Samiti in Nanded is witnessing a surge in demand for its national flags. These flags are not only hoisted across Maharashtra but also in government offices in 16 states across the country, making Nanded a proud contributor to the nation’s patriotic displays.
Flag production in Nanded has a storied history, dating back to 1993. Along with the Hubli center in Karnataka, Nanded is one of only two places in India where the national flag is produced. The flags are primarily made in two phases—leading up to August 15th and January 26th—though production continues throughout the year to meet ongoing demand. So far, Nanded’s Khadi Gram Udyog Samiti has produced 5 million flags, with sales amounting to approximately 2.5 million rupees this season alone.
The national flags from Nanded are proudly flown not only in Maharashtra but also in states such as Delhi, Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh. The flags come in various sizes, with the largest measuring 14 by 21 feet. Other common sizes include 8 by 21 feet, 6 by 9 feet, 3 by 4.5 feet, 2 by 3 feet, and 6.5 inches by 9 inches. These dimensions ensure that the flag can be used in various settings, from large government buildings to smaller offices.
The process of making these flags is meticulous. Raw khadi cloth, sourced from the Udgir center in Latur district, is first sent to the government-approved BMC Mill in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Here, the cloth is dyed in three colors—saffron, white, and green—and woven into fabric. This fabric is then rigorously tested for strength to meet government standards before being used in flag production. The Ashoka Chakra, with its 24 spokes is imprinted on the flag using screen printing. The ropes used to secure the flag, known as “Gardi,” are made from durable woods like turmeric, bark, teak, and Shisham, and are sourced from Mumbai. These ropes are designed to withstand rain and other weather conditions, ensuring the flag remains intact.
With each passing year, the Khadi Gram Udyog Samiti in Nanded continues to uphold the tradition of producing these flags, ensuring that they proudly wave across the nation on its most important days.
