India has natural national symbols (animals, a bird, a tree, a flower, a fruit and a river) and other national symbols such as the National Flag, the National Emblem, the National Anthem and the National Song. The country also celebrates national festivals – Independence Day, Republic Day and Gandhi Jayanthi. The national symbols help in uniting the diversified sections of India and to instil patriotism.
1. Natural National Symbols
The natural national symbols are the Tiger, Elephant, River dolphin of Ganges, Peacock, King Cobra, Banyan tree, Mango, the Ganges and Lotus. The chapter gives the years in which the Government of India adopted them:
| Natural National Symbol | Year Adopted |
|---|---|
| Lotus | 1950 |
| Banyan tree | 1950 |
| Mango | 1950 |
| Peacock | 1963 |
| Tiger | 1973 |
| River Ganges | 2008 |
| Elephant | 2010 |
| River Dolphin | 2010 |
| King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) | Year not given |