Don’t miss the latest developments in business and finance.

image

Independence Day

About Independence Day

Facebook IconLinkedIN Icon

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

Israel marks 74 years since its creation on Thursday, and festivities begin the night before

Updated On: 02 May 2022 | 2:01 PM IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India moving from the 75th year of independence to its centenary in 2047 cannot be a routine affair and it should be a watershed moment for the country.

Updated On: 21 Apr 2022 | 1:57 PM IST

In commemoration of India's 75 years of independence, the Indian Consulate here in collaboration with a city-based cultural organisation and a children's museum commenced a week-long celebration

Updated On: 19 Apr 2022 | 8:29 AM IST

A sand art work, nature walk are among the host of activities that the Delhi Development Authority has planned in the coming days to mark 75th year of the country's Independence

Updated On: 19 Feb 2022 | 1:30 AM IST

As India celebrates its 75th anniversary, the most precious of its legacies are at risk of falling prey to the politics of the moment

Updated On: 16 Feb 2022 | 3:47 AM IST

Ahead of assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, the AAP will take out a Tiranga Yatras in Ayodhya, Lucknow and Noida to mark the 75th year of India's Independence, party leaders said.

Updated On: 29 Aug 2021 | 12:37 PM IST

'The Finance Minister devoted a lot of time to explaining the difficult balance of payments position and rapid depletion of foreign exchange reserves', says the author

Updated On: 16 Aug 2021 | 12:54 AM IST

PM's emphasis on less govt interference is the way to go

Updated On: 15 Aug 2021 | 9:53 PM IST

The announcement of a Rs 100 lakh crore 'Gatishakti' initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead to an all-round national development with focus on jobs, growth

Updated On: 15 Aug 2021 | 3:35 PM IST

The Congress on Sunday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of only making announcements about schemes in his Independence Day speeches

Updated On: 15 Aug 2021 | 2:30 PM IST

The Congress' Uttar Pradesh unit will honour freedom fighters, their families and farmers in every village of the state under a new campaign, party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said

Updated On: 15 Aug 2021 | 1:06 PM IST

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday announced that his government will provide smart health cards to 3.5 crore people in the state under the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana.

Updated On: 15 Aug 2021 | 1:05 PM IST

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday called for strengthening voices against all forces that try to stifle freedom

Updated On: 15 Aug 2021 | 1:02 PM IST

Women must feel safe and respected from street to workplace and for ensuring this, the admin, police and judicial system, along with every citizen, need to fulfil their responsibility, Modi said

Updated On: 15 Aug 2021 | 12:57 PM IST

Delhi has emerged as a model of governance, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Sunday announcing the launch of Deshbhakti' curriculum in government schools

Updated On: 15 Aug 2021 | 12:51 PM IST

Prime Minister's comments in Independence Day speech came a few months before India is projected to miss a goal to cut crude oil import dependence by 2022

Updated On: 16 Aug 2021 | 12:46 AM IST

Speaking from the historic ramparts of the Red Fort on the 75th I-Day, PM Modi showered praise on India's Olympians and urged the nation to "give them a big round of applause for their achievements."

Updated On: 15 Aug 2021 | 11:08 AM IST

PM Modi sets target for energy independent India by 2047

Updated On: 16 Aug 2021 | 4:41 AM IST

In a speech marking a break from his usual practice, Modi speaks about how future PMs would judge him and his place in history.

Updated On: 15 Aug 2021 | 1:52 PM IST