Independence Day (India)
India's Independence Day ( Swatantrata Divas ) is celebrated as one of three national holidays annually on August 15th . It commemorates the independence from the British Empire , which was achieved on that day in 1947 , the end of British colonial rule in India ( British Raj ), through the entry into force of the Mountbatten Plan .
It is celebrated across the country with the ceremonial raising of the national flag and the distribution of sweets. The main celebrations will take place in New Delhi , where government buildings are flagged and the Prime Minister will hoist the flag on the Red Fort and make a televised address highlighting the achievements of the previous year and drawing a picture of the planned further development of the state. On this day, the Prime Minister also commemorates the leaders of the decades-long Indian freedom movement, above all Mahatma Gandhi .
The flag-raising and public cultural programs take place in all capitals of the Indian states, as well as being carried out by many private organizations, schools and colleges.
In different regions there is also the popular tradition of hang gliding on Independence Day . Competitions take place there and hundreds of colored kites fly simultaneously from balconies and roof terraces in the air.
The events will be broadcast live on state television broadcaster Doordarshan and All India Radio ; many other stations have enriched their programs with patriotic films and music.
See also
- day of the Republic
- Gandhi Jayanti
- Satyagraha , India's Nonviolent Freedom Movement (1915–1947)