Why is Rajya Sabha 'red' and Lok Sabha 'green': What is the real reason behind it?

If you ever step into the Indian Parliament or watch one of the sessions online, one of the first things you might notice subtly is the distinct colours that paint each of its two houses, where the Rajya Sabha is decked in deep red, and the Lok Sabha adorned in vibrant green. At first glance, these hues might seem like just an aesthetic choice, but they actually carry profound historical and symbolic meanings, deeply rooted in parliamentary traditions that date back centuries.
The rich red tone of the carpet and seats that lines the Rajya Sabha is no mere design choice. Red has long been associated with power, authority, and tradition. In many cultures, it signifies royalty, nobility, and ceremony, and in the context of the Rajya Sabha, it represents the wisdom and solemnity that is expected of the Upper House.
The Rajya Sabha consists of experienced lawmakers, experts, and representatives from different states, and serves as a revising chamber. Its main role is to review, amend, and deliberate upon the legislation passed by the Lok Sabha, the people’s house. The red interior that decks the flooring and other contents is a subtle reminder of the chamber's responsibility to scrutinise bills thoroughly, with a sense of strictness and deep reflection.

In stark contrast, the Lok Sabha is bathed in green, which conveys vitality, growth, and a connection to the land and the people. Green evokes a sense of renewal, and it is often seen as a symbol of life, development, and progress. For the Lok Sabha, this colour is particularly fitting, as it is the chamber directly elected by the people of India. Here, the voices of the electorate are heard, debated, and transformed into policy. The green setting that lines the carpet and the speaker's wall reflects the energy, ever-evolving nature, and democratic spirit that define this House, which is more aware of the concerns and needs of the general population.

The tradition of colour-coded chambers in parliamentary settings has its roots in British colonial influence. In the UK, the House of Lords, representing the aristocracy and serving as the upper chamber, is decorated in red, while the House of Commons, the more democratic and directly elected chamber, has a green colour scheme.
This was adopted by India after Independence, and the colour scheme has been carried forward ever since, with the Rajya Sabha in red and the Lok Sabha in green. Interestingly, this tradition is not unique to India. Other former British colonies, like Australia and Canada, follow a similar design in their respective parliaments.
In May 2023, the new Parliament building was inaugurated, which also continues to follow the rich tradition of colour with a modern form of architecture. The Lok Sabha chamber has green carpets and a wall, while the Rajya Sabha retains its red interiors, seats and carpeting maintaining the longstanding variation between the two Houses. This continuity in colour is a nod to India’s parliamentary legacy, even as the building itself represents technological upgrades and a more contemporary design.
The new building also embodies other cultural motifs. The Lok Sabha has peacock-inspired designs, symbolising vibrancy, and inclusiveness, while the Rajya Sabha has lotus motifs, that symbolises dignity and contemplation. The central lounge has a space for interaction between members of both Houses, is designed with banyan tree motifs, representing rootedness, dialogue, and the essence of democracy.
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