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Independence Day

About Independence Day

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When is Independence Day

The Independence Day is celebrated on August 15 every year to commemorate India’s freedom from the British rule in 1947. After independence, India became the world's largest democracy after the UK Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act, 1947, transferring legislative sovereignty to the Indian Constituent Assembly.
 
The Independence Day also marks the anniversary of undivided India’s partition into India and Pakistan.
 
On the eve of India’s independence, Jawaharlal Nehru, the then Prime minister, had said in his ‘Tryst with destiny’ speech: "At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom."

Independence Day LIVE updates: Modi to lead celebrations, speak at Red Fort
 
What happens on Independence Day?
 
Every year, the Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag at Delhi’s Red Fort and makes an address to the nation, which is followed by a military parade. The President of India also delivers the ‘address to the nation’ speech. In honour of the occasion, twenty-one gun shots are fired.
 
This day is observed as a national holiday across India, with offices, banks and post offices remaining closed. Independence Day is observed with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades and cultural events in all Indian states and Union Territories.
 
Preparations for the Independence Day start a month in advance. Schools and colleges organise cultural events, competitions, debates, speeches, and quiz competitions.
 
Background of the Independence Day
 
India's struggle for independence started in 1857 with the Sepoy Mutiny in Meerut and it gained momentum after the First World War. In 20th century, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian National Congress (INC) and other political organisations launched a countrywide independence movement and revolt against the oppressive British rule.
 
During the Second World War in 1942, the Indian Congress launched the Quit India Movement demanding an end to the British rule which prompted colonial rulers detaining many campaigners, nationalists, and ministers including Gandhi.
 
During the partition of India in 1947, violent riots, mass casualties, and displacement of nearly 15 million people took place amid religious violence.

Latest Updates on Independence Day

Union Home Minister Amit Shah pointed out that it was due to Sardar Patel's vision and political skill that regions such as the Lakshadweep Islands, Junagarh, and Hyderabad became part of India

Updated On: 29 Oct 2024 | 3:39 PM IST

The president symbolically chose to record his address in the northeastern town of Sumy, just a few kilometers from the Russian border, where Ukrainian forces crossed into Russia on August 6

Updated On: 24 Aug 2024 | 4:30 PM IST

The PM talks about one thing while the system takes another decision, Pawar said

Updated On: 19 Aug 2024 | 1:43 PM IST

Fresh merchandise flew off shelves for retailers during the long weekend

Updated On: 18 Aug 2024 | 10:53 PM IST

Adams was addressing members of the Indian-American community at the Queens 9th India Day Parade

Updated On: 18 Aug 2024 | 9:21 AM IST

Bill Gates flagged off the first India Day celebrations in the Greater Seattle area as Consulate General of India as Seattle's Guest of Honor, on India's 78th Independence Day

Updated On: 17 Aug 2024 | 8:55 AM IST

She said that the speech given by the PM from the Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day was quite long, but very disappointing in terms of protecting the rights of crores of Dalits

Updated On: 16 Aug 2024 | 3:51 PM IST

The Leader of Opposition was made to sit in the back row, said the NCP (SP) chief

Updated On: 16 Aug 2024 | 2:58 PM IST

A slew of events commemorating India's Independence Day were held across the city on Thursday

Updated On: 16 Aug 2024 | 8:22 AM IST

The ceremony also saw the presence of Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, Commander in Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN), who marked the end of the expedition

Updated On: 16 Aug 2024 | 8:30 AM IST

Modi is expected to visit the Ukrainian capital to hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Updated On: 15 Aug 2024 | 8:02 PM IST

On the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, chief ministers across India announced welfare schemes, and reiterated their resolve to fulfil their governments' pending agendas.

Updated On: 15 Aug 2024 | 10:59 PM IST

The PM called for steps to be taken to promote ease of living on a mission mode to ensure that common people have access to an affordable, dignified lifestyle and basic amenities

Updated On: 15 Aug 2024 | 10:47 PM IST

Most of the leaders from the South Asian neighbouring countries invoked enduring friendship rooted in history and strengthening of bilateral relations

Updated On: 15 Aug 2024 | 5:09 PM IST

Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar said that every Indian who does their job with "honesty and sincerity" are a key player for "Team India"

Updated On: 15 Aug 2024 | 5:03 PM IST

The opposition party's attack came after sources involved in organising of the event said all seating arrangements were done "as per the table of precedence"

Updated On: 15 Aug 2024 | 4:52 PM IST

Green jobs are essential in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and directly tackling the challenges of climate change by enhancing the efficiency of energy and raw material use

Updated On: 15 Aug 2024 | 4:46 PM IST

Senior Congress leader and LoP, Rahul Gandhi, sat with Olympic medallists Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh in the second-last row

Updated On: 15 Aug 2024 | 4:38 PM IST

In July, the Union Budget announced a set of five schemes at a cost of Rs 2 trillion for skilling and employment as part of the Prime Minister's package

Updated On: 15 Aug 2024 | 5:24 PM IST

Industry players hail govt steps to boost space sector

Updated On: 15 Aug 2024 | 4:33 PM IST