INDEPENDENCE DAY - August 15

Each year, on 15th of August the Indian Flag is hoisted on the broad channel of Red Fort of New Delhi. This marks the opening ceremony of India's Independence day. On 3rd June 1947, Lord Viscount Lord Mountbatten, the last British Governor General of India, announced the partitioning of the British Indian Empire into two Countries – India and Pakistan. It was after the rule of 100 years over India, that the Britishers were leaving India; that too divided into two parts. That was the biggest Irony of India – Freedom came but with a death toil which could one entire new Nation. Grieved and befeated, the nation stood on its foot at the midnight. And so came the slogan – Freedom at Midnight.

Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru was sworn as the first Prime minster of India by Lord Louis Mountbatten. With the sworing of the Prime Minister came his famous words -

At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance..... We end today a period of ill fortune, and India discovers herself again.

The then Deputy Prime Minister of India Sardar Valabh Bhai Patel Invited Lord Mountbatten to work as the Governor General of India till the entire country was united with complete formalities. And so under the leadership of Sardar Vallabh bhai Patel 565 princely states were united into 24 states and 7 union territories.

And so finally on 15th August, Lord Mountbatten gave back all the powers to Vallabhbhai thus making India a completely free Nation. And so each year on this day, the Indian Independence day is celebrated with fanfare throughout the country. Indian Flag is hoisted on each of the Government Buildings, Hospitals, Schools, Colleges and such other important organizations.

Red Fort is decorated and the Prime Minister of India gives a welcome speech on this day about the achievement of the country till date. The formal salutation is given to the Flag by the three Armies of the Country and every Indian National.

And so the by the way of celebrating Independence Day, a homage is paid to all those young men and women, children and old people who fought to bring Independence to our country.


* Indias Independence Day is a National Holiday and everything is closed on this day.