Perennial plant belonging to the ginger family, native to India and the East Indies; also the ground powder from its tuberous rhizomes (underground stems), used in curries to give a yellow colour and as a dyestuff. (Curcuma longa, family Zingiberaceae.)
In India it is traditionally applied in the form of a paste of powder to aid healing of cuts and grazes.
The disc represents the full moon, traditionally the most auspicious time for work and celebration. The disc is set towards the hoist. Effective date: 1 January 1981.