RANCHI: The place British used to execute freedom fighters in pre-independent India now hosts world's largest tricolour on tallest flag-post, the 66x99 feet flag, 493 feet above surface on a 293 feet mast at Ranchi's popular Pahari Mandir. The flag, defence minister Manohar Parrikar hoisted on Saturday, flutters in the breeze soaking the place – that remembers the cruel executions – in patriotism. Many in Ranchi know Pahari Mandir as 'Fansi Dungri' (hanging point)."The country's largest flag on tallest post is also the most majestic and most beautiful," Parrikar said after unfurling the 60-kg flag atop Pahari Mandir. The event coincided with Netaji Subash Chandra Bose's birth anniversary.The majestic flag drew people at the foot-hills of Pahari Mandir as well as on roof-tops where they struggled to capture the patriotic moment in cameras. Rohan Deo Pathak, a local singer, sang a couple of patriotic numbers for a TV channel dedicating a special coverage to the event. He went on to share a selfie with flag on Facebook. "Feeling patriotic at Pahari Mandir," he wrote.The occasion moved Jharkhand governor Dropadi Murmu like many others. "This place was known as Fansi Dungri in pre-Independent India. It is known for sacrifice. After Independence Ranchi's first tri-colour was hoisted at this place to pay a tribute to the martyrs," Murmu said.Loudspeakers boomed 'ye desh hai veer jawano ka' among other songs atop the hill where many attendees appeared in flag-painted face while others wore stickers of Indian flags. It later made Parrikar remark: "The energy and enthusiasm was similar to 26 January." A glider tried to add colour to the occasion. In the charged environment CM Raghubar Das, governor Murmu shared stage with Parrikar and state leaders where students in colourful dresses stood in tricolour pattern.The authorities of Pahari Mandir Samiti, the agency behind putting up the majestic flag, claimed it is world's largest tricolour on tallest mast and have written to Limca Book of World Records and would write to Guinnes Book of World Records. A BJP leader Sanjay Seth, associated with the event, said previous highest flag-post, he said, is at 250 feet is in Faridabad and the tricolour is only 96x64 feet.The mast was developed over 40 days by Mecon, a public sector undertaking under the ministry of steel. The pole has been designed to withstand strong winds, earthquake and all possible natural damage. It is fitted with anti-lightning technology, and has aircraft warning signal. It will not harm the ecology of the hill, said J K Jha, the engineer who designed the mast.Jha told TOI the flag is made of parachute cloth and has enough clippings to ensure strong winds do not blow it away. The mast sits on around nine feet diameter pedestal fitted with rock anchors.A 70-year-old Gopal Singh, a resident of Ratu Road, said he has heard tales of British cruelty atop the hill. "The fluttering tricolour has swelled the pride Independence has given us and our forefathers have worked hard to keep it unbroken," Singh, who watched the flag being hoisted, told TOI.The tricolour can be seen from most of the places in the town, especially tall structures.