Independence Day, in India, national holiday celebrated annually on August 15. Independence Day marks the end of British rule in 1947 and the establishment of a free and independent Indian nation.

Independence Day is marked throughout India with flag-raising ceremonies, drills, and the singing of the Indian national anthem. Additionally, various cultural programs are made available in the state capitals. After the prime minister participates in the flag-raising ceremony at the Red Fort historic monument in Old Delhi, a parade ensues with members of the armed forces and police. The prime minister then delivers a televised address to the country, recounting the major accomplishments of India during the previous year and outlining future challenges and goals. Kite flying has also become an Independence Day tradition, with kites of various sizes, shapes, and colours filling the sky. Also, to commemorate the day, government offices in New Delhi remain lit throughout the holiday, even though they are closed.

Here are some facts about Independence Day:

1. The Indian Independence Act passed by the British parliament on July 5, 1947, was based upon the Mountbatten plan of June 3, 1947. The act mentioned the date of independence as August 15, 1947.

2. The date August 15 was also chosen by the last viceroy and first governor-general of India Lord Mountbatten as it was the same day in 1945 Japan surrendered to the Allied Forces at the end of the World War II.

3. The Indian national flag has gone through a lot of changes in the past before its current form. It was adopted in its present form during a meeting of the Constituent Assembly on July 22, 1947, and became the official flag on August 15, 1947.

4. Hubli-based Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha is the only institution designated to supply the national flag for the entire country by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and in conformation with the standards laid down by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

5. Jana-Gana-Mana anthem was written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1911 and officially adopted as India’s national anthem in 1950

6. The Mughal-era Red Fort has seen Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of independent India, unfurling the national flag 17 times. He was followed by his daughter Indira Gandhi, who got the honour 16 times.

7. Bahrain, North Korea, South Korea, Liechtenstein and Republic of Congo are the five other countries which also celebrate their Independence Day on August 15.

8. Google has been commemorating India’s Independence Day since 2003 with a special doodle on its India homepage.

What Next?

During this pandemic, while you are at home and there is little chance for you go out and meet your friends. You can celebrate this independence day with you kids in this way while staying at home.