Flag Of Nepal

Introduction

In the past, hundreds of kingdoms existed with unique flags and designs. Sadly, as time changed, many countries have risen and fallen. However, among them, Nepal is a nation that has been never conquered or colonized. Also, the flag of Nepal is a unique flag in the world. Nepali Flag, the national flag in Nepal is the only flag in the world that is nonquadrilateral in shape.

Color/Shape/Design

The design of the Nepali flag dates back centuries. The color used the flag-crimson and blue.

In the upper part of the flag lies a white moon with eight rays along with a crescent below it. Also, the lower part has a stylized white sun with 12 rays. Previously, there were facial features representing both sun and moon though currently removed.

The color crimson on the flag represents the bravery of the Nepalese. The color crimson, white and blue has a huge meaning. The color crimson represents closeness, blue represents distance and white represents neutrality.

Also, the crimson color is also lucky in Hinduism.

Meaning of Nepalese Flag

The meaning of the sun and moon is as long as the sun and moon exist, Nepal will continue to exist.

Also, according to Hinduism, Sun is one of the five gods in the Hindu religion and is often used in rituals. The 12 signs of the month of Nepal and Hinduism are based on the sun. It is also the symbol of the soul.

Likewise, the moon symbolizes the heart and is also the head of the asteroids.

History of Nepali Flag

The Nepali flag was not the original flag of Nepal. It is also believed that the design of the flag took inspiration from the Malla dynasty in the past.

Instead, many also believe that this flag was based on two different pennants of the ruling Rana Family and their rival branch. Both the pennant was made during the last centuries. However, the flag was only accepted as a constitutional flag on 1962.

The upper portion of the moon represented the Royal Family and The lower parts symbolized the Rana Family.

Why Nepali Flag is unique?

The Nepali flag is in nonquadrilateral shape. But there are also many countries in the world that do not follow the rectangular shape. According to many, these flags are found in many countries in mountainous regions, land-locked or not well-known nations. For example- Switzerland still has a square flag. Other examples can also include the Ethiopian national flag.

People also believe that many places in India also use such non-rectangular flags. Though, they may have been lost in Indian Independence.

Therefore, Nepali Flag is a living Fossil that showcases the lost design of the flags on the Indian Subcontinent.

Entry of the Nepali Flag into the world

The first entry of the Nepali Flag was found by M. Lupant in a book published by Perceval Laundon in 1928 (Nepal, vol. 1, pp. 233-236, Constable, London).

Proposals for Flag change

Since the end of the monarchy, there have been many proposals for flag changes.

There was a debate that believed that since the fun and moon in the flag do not advocate monarchy, the flag should be changed.

In the past, there were proposals from the parties UCPN Maoist, Rashtriya Janamorcha and Dalit Janjati Party filed the petition to change the national flag. However, the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and Nepali Majdoor Kisan Party thwarted it.

The Constitutional Assembly of Nepal adopted 16 November the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. In article 8 and Schedule 1, the flag was described.

Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal

National flag

(1) The national flag of Nepal, consists of two juxtaposed triangular figures with a crimson-coloured base and deep blue borders, there being a white emblem of the crescent moon with eight rays visible out of sixteen in the upper part and a white emblem of a twelve rayed sun in the lower part.

(2) The method of drawing the flag and other particulars relating thereto shall be as set out in Schedule 1.

Schedule 1

Method of Making the National Flag of Nepal

(A) Method of Making the shape inside the Border

(1) On the lower portion of a crimson cloth draw a line AB of the required length from left to right.

(2) From A draw a line AC perpendicular to AB making AC equal to AB plus one-third AB. From AC mark off D making the line AD equal to line AB. Join BD.

(3) From BD mark off E making BE equal to AB.

(4) Touching E draw a line FG, starting from the point F on line AC, parallel to AB to the right-hand side. Mark off FG equal to AB.

(5) Join CG.

(B) Method of making the Moon

(6) From AB mark off AH making AH equal to one-fourth of line AB and starting from H draw a line HI parallel to line AC touching line CG at the point I.

(7) Bisect CF at J and draw a line JK parallel to AB touching CG at point K.

(8) Let L be the point where lines JK and HI cut one another.

(9) Join JG.

(10) Let M be the point where line JG and HI cut one another.

(11) With centre M and with a distance shortest from M to BD mark off N on the lower portion of line HI.

(12) Touching M and starting from O, a point on AC, draw a line from left to right parallel to AB.

(13) With centre L and radius LN draw a semi-circle on the lower portion and let P and Q be the points where it touches the line OM respectively.

(14) With the centre M and radius MQ draw a semi-circle on the lower portion touching P and Q.

(15) With centre N and radius NM draw an arc touching PNQ at R and S. Join RS. Let T be the point where RS and HI cut one another.

(16) With centre T and radius TS draw a semi-circle on the upper portion of PNQ touching at two points.

(17) With centre T and radius TM draw an arc on the upper portion of PNQ touching at two points.

(18) Eight equal and similar triangles of the moon are to be made in the space lying inside the semi-circle of No (16) and outside the arc of No (17) of his Schedule.

(19) Bisect line AF at U, and draw a line UV parallel to AB line touching line BE at V.

(20) With centre W, the point where HI and UN cut one another and radius MN draw a circle.

(21) With centre W and radius LN draw a circle.

(22) Twelve equal and similar triangles of the sun are to be made in the space enclosed by the circle of No (20) and No (21) with the two apexes of two triangles touching line HI.

(D) Method of Making the Border

(23) The width of the border will be equal to the width of TN. This will be of deep blue colour and will be provided on all the sides of the flag. However, on the given angles of the flag, the external angles will be equal to the internal angles.

(24) The above-mentioned border will be provided if the flag is to be used with a rope. On the other hand, if it is to be hoisted on a pole, the hole on the border on the side AC can be extended according to requirements.

Explanation:- The lines HI, RS, FE, ED, JG, OQ, JK and UV are imaginary. Similarly, the external and internal circles of the sun and the other arcs except the crescent moon are imaginary. These are not shown on the flag.

Source: Constitution of Nepal, Preliminary Draft. Kathmandu: 2015