Here's Why Only This Karnataka Village Can Make India's Tricolour

In the quiet village of Bengeri near Hubballi, Karnataka, the national flag of India is brought to life by the hands of skilled women weavers. Since 1957, this unassuming village has housed the Karnataka Khadi Gramodyog Samyukta Sangha (KKGSS), the only unit in the country authorised to manufacture the Indian national flag. Certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the KKGSS operates with a predominantly female workforce. Here, khadi is not just fabric—it’s tradition, history, and identity. Each flag is made from hand-spun, handwoven khadi cloth, with the Ashoka Chakra carefully printed and the saffron, white, and green panels precisely stitched together. The unit supplies flags across India, especially ahead of Republic Day and Independence Day, preserving both the integrity and spirit of the Tricolour.Crafting The TricolourTucked away in Bengeri near Hubballi, the Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha (KKGSS) carries a legacy woven into the fabric of India’s freedom movement. Founded in 1957 by freedom fighter Venkatesh Magadi, the Sangha was established with a deep commitment to Gandhian principles—reviving khadi, empowering rural artisans, and building self-reliant communities.Nearly five decades later, in 2006, the KKGSS was entrusted with a rare responsibility: to craft the Indian national flag in strict compliance with the Flag Code of India. Though there are a few BIS-licensed units permitted to manufacture the Indian Standard-I (IS-I) flag—such as Madhya Bharat Khadi Sangh in Gwalior, Khadi Dyers and Printers in Borivali, and Dharwad Taluka Garag Kshetriya Seva Sangh—KKGSS remains the only authorized manufacturer of the national flag. Each flag that emerges from its humble workshop is a product of hand-spun khadi, meticulous craftsmanship, and national pride.Following The CodeIn Karnataka's Bengeri village, women artisans carefully craft each Indian national flag by hand, ensuring every detail strictly follows the Flag Code of India. At the Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha (KKGSS)—the country’s only authorised flag manufacturing unit—these women uphold both tradition and regulation with every stitch.The Flag Code of India mandates that the national flag be made only from hand-spun and handwoven khadi—cotton, wool, or silk. The flag must be rectangular, with a precise 3:2 length-to-width ratio. The Ashoka Chakra, printed in navy blue, features 24 equally spaced spokes and is positioned at the centre of the white band.Each colour has significance: saffron represents courage and sacrifice, white stands for peace and truth, and green symbolises fertility and prosperity. KKGSS plays a critical role in maintaining the flag’s authenticity and quality. Beyond production, the unit preserves the historical and symbolic weight of khadi—a fabric tied to India’s independence movement and Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of self-reliance. Here, each flag is more than cloth—it’s a statement of national identity, woven with discipline and quiet pride.The Information: Bengeri, KarnatakaBuying The FlagYou can buy Indian flags from the Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha (KKGSS) unit in Bengeri, Hubballi, or through authorised retailers across Karnataka. Best Time To VisitThe best time to visit is during the winter months, from October to February. This period offers pleasant weather, making it ideal for exploring the town and its surrounding areas. Getting ThereThe nearest airport to Bengeri, Karnataka is Hubballi Airport, also known as Hubli Airport, which is located approximately 7 km away. The closest railway station is Hubli East Cabin, which is about 3.09 km away. Both the airport and railway station are in Hubballi (also spelled Hubli), which is near Bengeri. Places To See NearbyBengeri, Karnataka, is close to Hubballi, a city with attractions like Nrupatunga Betta hill, Hosur Cross, parks, shopping malls, and museums such as the Sun Ray Solar Museum. Nearby natural spots include Sathoddi Falls (57 km), Sogalla Falls (75 km), and Magod Falls (88 km). For wildlife and adventure, Dandeli offers activities along the Kali River. History lovers can explore Badami’s famous cave temples and historical sites about 88 km away. FAQsQ1. Where is India’s national flag made?India’s official national flags are made exclusively in Bengeri village, near Hubballi in Karnataka.Q2. Who is authorised to make the Indian flag?The Khadi Gramodyog Samyukta Sangh in Bengeri is the only organisation certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to manufacture the national flag.Q3. Why is only one place allowed to make the Indian flag?To maintain strict standards set by the Flag Code of India and BIS, only Bengeri's Khadi unit is authorised to ensure uniformity and quality.Q4. What materials are used in the Indian flag from Bengeri?The flags are made using hand-spun and hand-woven khadi cotton, dyed in official colours as per BIS specifications.Q5. Can you visit the Bengeri flag-making unit?Yes, the Khadi unit in Bengeri welcomes visitors who want to learn about the flag-making process and India’s khadi legacy.Have You Visited India's First Heritage Village In Himachal Pradesh?