Nepal Flag

The Nepal Flag

Introduction

The flag of Nepal is one of the most unique national flags in the world. Unlike the rectangular flags of other nations, Nepal’s flag consists of two stacked triangular shapes with a deep blue border and a crimson red background. This distinctive design holds deep cultural, historical, and religious significance for the Nepalese people.

History of the Nepal Flag

The current design of the Nepal flag was adopted on December 16, 1962, after the government modernized the traditional flag while retaining its traditional elements. However, the flag’s origins trace back centuries, with its double-pennant shape inspired by Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

Key Historical Facts:

• The flag was historically used by Nepalese kings and symbolized the Himalayan nation’s sovereignty.
• Before 1962, the flag featured human faces (of the sun and moon), which were later removed for simplification.
• The flag’s design reflects Nepal’s resistance to foreign domination, as it was never colonized.

Symbolism and Meaning

The Nepal flag is rich in symbolism, representing the country’s geography, religion, and resilience.

Elements of the Flag:

1. Crimson Red Background – Represents bravery and the victorious spirit of the Nepalese people.
2. Deep Blue Border – Symbolizes peace and harmony.
3. Sun and Moon Emblems – The two celestial bodies signify longevity and prosperity, as well as the hope that Nepal will endure as long as the sun and moon.

Why is Nepal’s Flag Non-Rectangular?

Nepal’s flag is the world’s only non-quadrilateral national flag. The two triangular shapes represent:

• The Himalayan Mountains, which dominate Nepal’s landscape.
• The two major religions of Nepal—Hinduism and Buddhism.
• The house of the king (upper triangle) and the house of the prime minister (lower triangle) in historical times.

Interesting Facts About the Nepal Flag

• The World’s Only Non-Rectangular Flag: The most famous fact is that Nepal’s flag is the only national flag in the world that is not a quadrilateral (a four-sided shape like a rectangle or square).
• Himalayan Symbolism: The two triangular pennons are a symbol of the Himalayan Mountains, the most iconic geographical feature of Nepal.
• Colors of Bravery and Peace: The crimson red (Simrik) is Nepal’s national color, representing the bravery of the Nepali people and the color of the national flower, the rhododendron. The blue border signifies the nation’s constant desire for peace.
• A Wish for Eternal Existence: The emblems of the crescent moon in the top triangle and the sun in the bottom one symbolize the hope that the nation of Nepal will last as long as the sun and the moon exist in the sky.
• A Mathematical Formula: The flag’s exact dimensions are legally defined in the Constitution of Nepal. It requires a precise, 24-step geometric construction, making it the most mathematical flag in the world.
• The Missing Faces: Before the current design was adopted on December 16, 1962, the sun and moon on the flag had human faces. These were removed to give the flag a more modern look.
• A Tale of Two Dynasties: Historically, the two pennons were also said to represent the two most powerful ruling families of Nepal: the Shahs (the kings) and the Ranas (the hereditary prime ministers).

Flag of Nepal in Different Languages:

People around the world say “Nepal Flag” in their native languages

• Nepali: नेपालको झण्डा (Nepalko Jhanda)
• Hindi: नेपाल का झंडा (Nepal Ka Jhanda)
• Chinese: 尼泊尔国旗 (Níbō’ěr Guóqí)
• Japanese: ネパールの国旗 (Nepāru no Kokki)
• Korean: 네팔 국기 (Nepal Gukgi)
• Spanish: Bandera de Nepal
• French: Drapeau du Népal
• German: Flagge Nepals
• Russian: Флаг Непала (Flag Nepala)
• Arabic: علم نيبال (ʿAlam Nībāl)
• Portuguese: Bandeira do Nepal
• Italian: Bandiera del Nepal
• Turkish: Nepal Bayrağı
• Thai: ธงชาติเนปาล (Thong Chat Nēpān)
• Vietnamese: Quốc kỳ Nepal
• Sanskrit: नेपालध्वजः (Nepāladhvajaḥ)

How to Draw the Flag of Nepal: The Official 24-Step Method

The process involves 24 distinct steps to achieve the perfect shape:

(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 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 center 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 center 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 center M and radius MQ draw a semi-circle on the lower portion touching P and Q.
• (15) With center 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 center T and radius TS draw a semi-circle on the upper portion of PNQ touching at two points.
• (17) With center 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.

(C) Method of Making the Sun

• (19) Bisect line AF at U, and draw a line UV parallel to AB line touching line BE at V.
• (20) With center W, the point where HI and UN cut one another and radius MN draw a circle.
• (21) With center 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 color 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

Conclusion

The Nepal flag is more than just a national symbol—it embodies the country’s history, culture, and independence. Its unusual shape and deep symbolism make it a fascinating subject for vexillologists (flag experts) and travelers alike.