Long before it was formalised as a national symbol, crimson red was already everywhere in Nepal — on ancient temple banners, on the war flags of the Gorkha kings, and on the vermilion tika pressed onto foreheads during festivals. It's one of the few national symbols that isn't tied to a single object, but to a colour that runs through nearly everything else Nepal considers its own.
Where the Colour Comes From: The Flag
Nepal's national colour is inseparable from its national flag. The current flag — the world's only non-rectangular national flag — was standardised on 16 December 1962, with a crimson red field bordered in deep blue. According to the flag's official symbolism, the crimson represents the bravery of the Nepali people, while the blue border represents peace and harmony.
Nepal's constitution specifies the flag's geometry in exacting mathematical detail, but — unlike some countries — it does not define an official hex or Pantone value for the colours themselves. The shades shown here are the ones most commonly used to reproduce the flag digitally, not a legally fixed standard.
Source: Constitution of Nepal, Schedule 1; Government of Nepal flag specifications
Why Crimson: The Meaning Behind the Colour
Crimson red has carried the same core meaning in Nepal for centuries: bravery, courage and victory. It traces back to the red war banners used by the Gorkha kings during the unification of Nepal in the 18th century, when red cloth was flown as a visible mark of a soldier's courage in battle. In Hindu tradition more broadly, the triangular red pennant has been associated with victory since the era of the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Crimson is also the exact shade of Nepal's national flower, the rhododendron (Lali Gurans) — which is why the flag, the flower and the national colour are so often described together.
Source: History of the Flag of Nepal, Government of Nepal cultural records
Where You'll See Crimson Red in Nepali Life
Crimson isn't confined to flagpoles — it's woven through daily and ceremonial life across Nepal.
Crimson across Nepali culture
| Occasion | How crimson appears |
|---|---|
| Dashain | Red tika applied to the forehead as a blessing |
| Tihar / Bhai Tika | Crimson tika and garlands exchanged between siblings |
| Weddings | Red bridal sari; sindoor applied along the hair parting |
| Teej | Red saris worn widely by married women |
✦ Did you know?
- Nepal's flag is the only national flag in the world that isn't rectangular — and crimson is its dominant colour.
- Crimson red is the exact shade shared by both the flag and Nepal's national flower, the rhododendron.
- Sindoor, the red powder worn by married Hindu women in Nepal, is considered one of the most visible everyday uses of the national colour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the national colour of Nepal?
Crimson red is the national colour of Nepal. It is the dominant colour of the national flag, adopted in its current form on 16 December 1962.
What does crimson red symbolise in Nepal?
Crimson red symbolises bravery, courage and victory. It is also the colour of Nepal's national flower, the rhododendron.
Why is red used so often in Nepali festivals?
Red is considered an auspicious colour in Nepali Hindu culture, used in tika, sindoor, wedding attire and festival decorations during occasions like Dashain, Tihar and Teej.
Is there an official hex code for Nepal's national colour?
Nepal's constitution defines the flag's geometry precisely but does not specify an official hex or Pantone colour code. The shade commonly used to reproduce the flag online is close to crimson, hex #DC143C.
What colour is the border of Nepal's flag?
The flag's border is deep blue, commonly reproduced as hex #003893, symbolising peace and harmony, in contrast with the crimson red field.