Celebration

15 August is celebrated as the Independence Day of India. On 15 August 1947, India got its independence from the British rule and was declared as a sovereign nation. The day is celebrated throughout the country commemorating Indias independence from the British. The independence was achieved following a massive independence movement mostly noted for peaceful non violent resistance and civil disobedience movements led by the Indian National Congress. After the independence of India the partition took place in which the British Indian Empire was divided along religious lines into two new nations India and Pakistan.In 1757, after the British victory in the Battle of Plassey, the rule of East India Company started in India. By 1858, the British Crown had assumed control of India. The situation after World War I was marked suppressive and exploitative laws by the British. This led to revolutionary calls for independence rule and sparked the phase of non violent and non cooperation movements followed by civil disobedience.

The enduring leader and a national symbol for all these movements was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi the Father of the Nation. The next decades were marked with constant struggles between the Indians and the British for freedom. Many movements and acts were carried out by the Indian National Congress, freedom fighters and the people of India. An upsurge of all these events finally led to the independence of India in 1947.

CelebrationThe Independence Day is celebrated in all states and union territories of India. On the eve of Independence Day, the President of India delivers the Address to the Nation speech which is broadcasted nationally. On 15 August, the Prime Minister of India hoists the Indian flag on the historical Red Fort site in Delhi. 21 gun shots are fired in honor of the occasion. The Prime Minister then delivers a speech highlighting the achievements of government during the past year, raises important issues and puts forth further plans for development. He also pays tribute to the freedom struggle leaders.The Indian national anthem is sung after the speech. The divisions of Indian Army and paramilitary forces perform a parade, followed by pageants showcasing different events from the independence struggle and cultural traditions of the India. In other state capitals similar type of events take place where the Chief Minister of that particular state unfurls the national flag and celebrations follow. Various government and non government institutions, schools and colleges across India conduct flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programmes within their premises.In northern and central cities of India, kite flying is a celebrated as an event associated with Independence Day. People symbolize their patriotism towards the country with the use of national flags of different sizes. They decorate their cloths, cars, household, etc with the tri color flag. The Indians in various parts of the world also celebrate the Independence Day with parades and pageants. Several cities in the United States have declared 15 August as India Day.