Select State Holidays
Independence Day 2024
15th August is a special day in the history of India. On this day in 1947, India got independence from Britishers. On this day, Indians pay homage to freedom fighters who have sacrificed their lives to save their motherland. It is a national holiday in regional, national, and state level Government offices. Besides, Government offices, commercial places remain closed on this day after the completion of flag hoisting ceremony by the Prime of the India. However, operating hours will be less at markets.
Schools, colleges and other educational institutions execute different types of competitions. Special programs are organized through different channels such as online, broadcast, and print. In fact various films based on Indian independence also telecast on different television channels. On the eve of Independence Day, the President of the country addresses the country.
The Prime Minister of India, hoists tricolor proudly at the Red Fort and also address the people of the nation. India is a land of different culture, so the day at state and national levels with great enthusiasm. Artists show their talent and gain recognition through this national festival. You will be amazed to know that in some of the places, the families of the freedom fighters also honored.
Know about Indian Independence Act 1947
The Indian Independence Act 1947 was ruled on 15 August 1947 by the United Kingdom parliament. The judicial sovereignty was transferred to the Indian Constituent Assembly. King George VI, unrelenting heads the state until the country transmitted into a complete Republican Constitutions. India struggled to acquire freedom from British administration under Mahatma Gandhi, who is recognized as the “Father of the Nation.”
British ruled India for more than 200 years. The nation wanted to get free from the shackles of British rule. In the year 1857, East India Company was established, which was considered dress rehearsal for the Independence of India. Later, the campaign for India’s freedom took place by several names such as Indian Mutiny, Revolt of 1857, Great Rebellion and India's First War of Independence. Mahatma Gandhi played the crucial role in attaining the independence from British. The Father of the Nation was followed by various freedom fighters all over the country. Post Independence, Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of India.
Independence Day and Its Important Symbols
On this day, people enjoy kite flying activity. People purchase different kites and enjoy this event with happiness and excitement. Another symbol is Red Fort (located in Delhi) where Prime Minister of India give speech and summarize what nation has gained in a year.
Ways to celebrate this Special Day
Besides, flying the kite, you can celebrate this festival in several other ways and some of these are:
- Plan a Tour: You can plan a short family trip to the nearest place. In addition to this, you can visit your friends or relatives to have great time with them.
- Prepare Tricolor Dishes: You can occupy your children and make tricolor dishes such as tricolor cupcakes, sandwiches etc. Your children will enjoy this activity. These days, online source proving a great source to acquire tricolor food items.
- Show your children the flag hoisting ceremony: People staying in the city can take their children for the flag-hoisting ceremony. Let your children experience this crucial ceremony.
- Watch patriotic Movie: There are several patriotic movies based on Independence Day. You can select your favorite movie and watch with your family.
Interesting facts about India
- There was no national anthem when India became independent.
- Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was India’s first Prime Minister.
- Rabindranath Tagore sang ‘Jana Gana Mana’ in 1911 and was declared the national anthem in the year 1950.
- At the time of India’s independence, India did not have a prime minister, president or a government. That time, only Governor General was the most important and powerful person.
- The prime minister, president and government were established after India became a Republic Nation.
- It is not only India that celebrates Independence Day on 15th August, the other five countries such as Bahrain, North Korea, Congo, Liechtenstein and South Korea also celebrate Independence Day.
- Mahatma Gandhi was not happy with non-violence due to the partition and due to this reason, he has participated in the celebration of India’s Independence. Instead, he went on hunger strike so that people stop killing each other.
- India got its name from the River Indus
- India’s name is ‘Bharat Ganarajya’ in Sanskrit and this is why the country is known as ‘Bharat’ in Hindi.
- Although India attains independence on 18th July 1947, Lord Mountbatten declared 15th August as the date of Independence.
- The tri-coloured flag with Ashok Chakra in the middle. The topmost Saffron strip shows sacrifice and bravery, the middle White strip is meant for truth and peace and the Green colour signifies fertility and faith. The Ashok Chakra implies righteousness.