India got its freedom (स्वतंत्रता – Svatantrata) from the British rule on 15th August, 1947.  Before independence, the India state consists of Pakistan as well as Bangladesh. However, the independence has seen the partition of the independent state into India and Pakistan.

The struggle for self- rule from British Empire started in the 19th century. The independence struggle (स्वतंत्रता संग्राम – Svatantrata Sangram) of India was mainly non-violent headed by Mahatma Gandhi must we must not forget some of the freedom fighters (स्वतंत्रता सेनानी – Svatantrata Senani)  who resorted to violent means. The scarified their life for the free rule (नियम – Niyam) which include legendary Bhagat Singh, Subhash Chandra Bose, Chandrasekhar Azad etc.

Now, you would ask how India celebrates it?

15th August, the Indian Independence day (स्वतंत्रता दिवस  – Svatrantra Divas) is a national holiday in India. On the eve of the Independence Day, the President of India delivers the address to the Nation on the national broadcast. In morning of 15 August, the Prime Minister (मुख्य मंत्री – Mukhy Mantri) of India hoists the Indian flag ( भारतीय झंडा  – Bhartiya Jhanda) on the Red Fort, a historical site in Delhi. Then, the Prime Minister address the nation about the sacrifices of freedom fighters, the annual progress of nation as well as the current issues, pledge to solve them as well as an appeal (प्रार्थना – Praathna)  to the entire nation help the government to resolve them.

For the entire nation (देश – Desh), this day brings back a celebrant atmosphere. In all offices, business as well as educational institutes, the flag hoisting ceremony is done. The head of the institution hoist the flag after which refreshments are served. After the flag hoisting ceremony, the celebration (उत्सव – Utsav) further extends to singing the national anthem of India and thereafter some extra-curricular functions. This remind me my school days when children were given delicious “लड्डू” (Laddu) beside other refreshments. After this ceremony, the day is called off so people can go back to their family and friends to celebrate the occasion.

On this day, you may people adorning Indian flags on their homes, vehicles etc. Most of the official buildings adorn strings of lighting. In the many part of India, there is the tradition of flying kite (पतंग – Patang) on the Independence Day.  Many localities also organize various extra -curricular functions on this day.

Many Indians who are migrants and living abroad celebrates Indian Independence Day in their respective locations.