15 August is an important day in Indian history which is celebrated as Independence Day. On this day India gained independence from British rule in 1947. This year 2024 will celebrate the 78th Independence Day. The main purpose of celebrating 15 August as Independence Day is to make all the countrymen remember and salute the great heroes who made this day possible by sacrificing their lives. Many national and social programs are organized across the country on 15 August. The programs dedicated to this day include the dignity of national symbols, remembrance of the martyrs of the freedom struggle, singing of national songs, and explaining the importance of independence. This day is celebrated with pride. On this day people pay tribute to the brave martyrs of the country’s freedom struggle. 15 August is a very auspicious day for Indians on which they get an opportunity to pay tribute to all the freedom fighters. Since it is a national holiday, all regional-level, state-level and national-level government offices remain closed after the flag hoisting ceremony. Commercial shops also remain closed or have reduced hours of operation. Schools and colleges across the country organize various competitions for students and award winners. Special competitions and events are organized by online, print and broadcast channels. Movies related to Indian freedom fighters are shown on television. The President of India addresses the nation on the eve of Independence Day. In Delhi, the Indian Prime Minister also addresses the nation at the Red Fort by attending the flag hoisting ceremony.
Tradition of hoisting the national flag on 15 August:-
The tradition of hoisting the national flag on 15 August is one of the important parts of Indian Independence Day. The day is colored with national unity and pride and the occasion of hoisting the flag gives the countrymen a chance to come together. This tradition was started in 1947 under the approval of the Constitution.
The ceremony of hoisting the national flag is celebrated in different areas of the country. On this occasion, flag hoisting programs are organized in schools, colleges, government offices, and other organizations. Along with this, the national flag is hoisted at state and social places.
In this tradition, the national flag is hoisted by pronouncing it. This ceremony is usually held according to the instructions of the Constitution which includes the national anthem, respect, and the pledge of the Constitution. This tradition provides an important and unique opportunity to the countrymen to share their national sentiment and pride. This practice of hoisting the flag promotes the unity, harmony, and self-confidence of the nation and makes people aware of their national sentiments.
Independence Day before Independence:-
Independence Day before Independence was an important part of the Indian freedom struggle. Before 15 August 1947, 26 January was celebrated as Independence Day. In 1929, at the Lahore session of the Indian National Congress, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru demanded Poorna Swaraj. After this, on 26 January 1930, the Indian National Congress declared India’s first Independence Day in which the public was called upon to boycott British rule and fight for Poorna Swaraj.
The main purpose of this celebration of Independence Day was to express dissatisfaction with the British rule and the intense desire of Indians for freedom. On 26 January 1930, flags were hoisted, meetings were organized, and patriotic songs were sung all over India. This day inspired the Indian people to unite, achieve independence and strengthen their resolve.
Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Subhash Chandra Bose inspired the people to participate in the freedom struggle through their inspirational speeches and movements. After attaining independence in 1947, 26 January was celebrated as Republic Day and 15 August was declared as Independence Day.
This tradition of Independence Day proved to be an important milestone in the Indian freedom struggle which inspired the Indian people to fight unitedly against the British rule.
History of Independence Day:-
The history of Independence Day is linked to the glorious saga of the Indian freedom struggle. On 15 August 1947, India gained independence from nearly 200 years of British rule. This day is celebrated as the Independence Day of India which was the result of the long and difficult journey of the Indian freedom struggle. The freedom struggle began with the First War of Independence of 1857 also known as the Sepoy Mutiny. After this, many great leaders and movements took this struggle forward. The Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi strongly put forward the demand for independence. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and other freedom fighters also played an important role in this movement. By 1947, the demand for independence had become so strong that the British government had to liberate India. On 15 August 1947, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the first tricolor of independent India from the Red Fort in New Delhi and gave a historic speech called Tryst with Destiny. Thus 15th August is an important historical day marked as the Independence Day of India which honors the sacrifices and struggles of the Indian freedom struggle. On this day, flag hoisting, patriotic programs and cultural activities are organized across the country which show the sense of national unity and pride.
Some important facts about Independence Day:-
- India gained independence from British rule on 15th August 1947. On this day India celebrated its independence and raised its head high as an independent nation.
- Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and other partitioners, people fought against the British rule and ultimately won independence.
- 15th August gives the countrymen an opportunity to come together in the spirit of unity and patriotism. On this day people celebrate this important day of independence together with patriotism and unity.
- Special events are organized across the country on 15th August to celebrate Independence Day, which includes flag hoisting, musical concerts, parades, and singing of the national anthem.
- 15th August reminds Indians of the heroes who sacrificed their lives and fought to make the country independent. They are saluted and thanked on this day.
