The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have reached a monumental milestone in maritime history as they officially registered a Guinness World Record attempt to unfurl the largest national flag ever displayed underwater. The event took place Saturday morning at the world-renowned Radhanagar Beach, marking a significant moment for India’s adventure tourism and national pride.
The ambitious project featured a massive Indian tricolour measuring 2,400 square metres, designed specifically to shatter the previous global benchmark. The current record, set at 2,027.70 square metres in 2024 off the coast of Egypt, was comfortably surpassed in scale during this meticulously planned operation. The registration process followed weeks of rigorous coordination to ensure compliance with the strict evidence and safety protocols required by Guinness World Records.
Lt. Governor Admiral D. K. Joshi (Retd.) was at the forefront of the initiative. Having participated in preparatory dives, the Lt. Governor was present on-site to formally hand over the tricolour to the diving team, signaling the commencement of the dive. His leadership underscored the significance of the event, which highlights the region’s growing capabilities in hosting complex, large-scale marine activities.
The execution was a masterclass in underwater synchronization. Nearly 180 divers—comprising experts from the Indian Navy, the Forest Department, the Police Marine Force, and the local scuba diving community—worked in unison within a narrow window of optimal sea conditions. Under crystal-clear visibility, the team unfolded the giant flag in a choreographed formation, all while independent witnesses and underwater videographers documented the process for official verification.
This record attempt is the centerpiece of a four-day marine festival at Swaraj Dweep, scheduled from May 1 to May 4. Beyond the flag unfurling, the event includes a second world record attempt for the “tallest underwater human stack,” slated for the Lighthouse Dive Site.
By choosing Radhanagar Beach for its stable conditions and accessibility, organizers have successfully showcased the Andaman Islands as a premier destination for high-stakes marine events. As the verification team reviews the documentation, the successful unfurling of the 2,400 sq m tricolour stands as a testament to the spirit of the Islands and a bold step forward for India’s global presence in adventure sports.
