India Independence Day

India celebrates its Independence Day on 15th August. Independence Day in India commemorates the end of a prolonged British rule over the country.

India attained its freedom at midnight with Lord Mountbatten proclaiming the partition of India and Pakistan into two separate autonomous political entities by virtue of the Indian Independence Act 1947. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was sworn in as the first Prime Minister of the country. After its independence, the Constituent Assembly was given the responsibility of drafting a constitution for the country. Finally on 26th January 1950, India was declared a Republic.

Independence Day celebrations in India

Independence Day is celebrated all across India, in the national capital of Delhi as well as in far-flung regions of the country. The state and central government both make arrangements for the occasion. In Delhi, the Prime Minister of the country hoists the national flag and addresses the nation. A parade involving police personnel and the armed forces is also organized. The state governments also organize various events that include cultural programs, the Chief Minister’s speech for the people of their respective states and flag hoisting.

On this national holiday, the flag hoisting ceremony is observed in numerous governmental and private organizations, educational institutions and localities followed by the singing of the national anthem and distribution of sweets. One can easily spot children roaming across the streets with paper flags and tri-colored balloons. In some places, kite flying forms an integral part of Independence Day celebrations in India.