India’s Independence Day
This anniversary is one of the three most important national holidays of the country.
The other two are Republic Day celebrated 26th January and Gandhi Jayanti, birthday of Mahatma Gandhi celebrated 2nd October.
History
Since India regained its independence from British rule in 1947, the anniversary is celebrated throughout the country on August 15.
India remained under British rule for almost two centuries. After years of struggle and protests in which the greatest importance and fame gained the path of “non-violence”, promoted by Mahatma Gandhi for the first time, the British parliament finally adopted the Indian Independence Act 1947. At the same time, it passed the legislative capacity to the Indian Constituent Assembly.
On August 15, 1947, India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, raised the Indian national flag over the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort in New Delhi.
Currently
To commemorate this event, the prime minister, currently in office, raises the national flag in the same place on each subsequent Independence Day. Then there are 21 honorable saloons. As part of celebrations, the flag also rises throughout the country.
Debates, quizzes and contests are held on this occasion. Particularly popular are essay and other literary writing contests as well as various art contests. As part of the festival, children and young people dress up as fighters.
The kite competition is very popular this day – the sky is filled like during the Makar Sankrati festival in January. Another popular activity is treating each other with sweets. Tradition is the exchange of sweets by guards on the borders with neighboring countries.
