India is gearing up to celebrate its Independence Day August 15, 2024 marking a significant milestone in its history. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the nation’s liberation from British colonial rule after nearly two centuries.
Every year on August 15, people across India celebrate Independence Day to commemorate the country’s independence from British colonial rule. As 2024 Independence Day draws closer, this year will marked as the 78th Independence Day celebration.
History of Indian Independence Day
On July 4, 1947, the Indian Independence Bill was introduced in the British House of Colonials. British dominance came to an end after 200 years on August 15, 1947. The British enacted the Indian Independence Act on July 18, 1947, and the entire act was the reason for the Indian Independence Movement, which had been active for a long period of time.
Significance of Indian Independence Day
Independence Day is observed as a national holiday in the country. This day in particular serves as a reminder of the numerous sacrifices made by our warriors to advance the liberation movement and secure our independence from British domination.
What is the Indian Independence Act 1947?
The British Prime Minister Clement Atlee on 20 February, 1947 declared that the British rule in India would end by 30 June, 1948 after which the powers would be transferred to responsible Indian hands. This announcement was followed by the agitation by the Muslim League and the demand for the partition of the country.
Then, on 3 June, 1947, British Government declared that any Constitution framed by the Indian Constituent Assembly which was formed in 1946 cannot apply to those parts of the country which were unwilling to accept it. And so on the same day that is on 3 June, 1947, Lord Mountbatten, the viceroy of India put forth the partition plan which is known as Mountbatten Plan. Congress and the Muslim League accepted the plan. The immediate effect was given to the plan enacting the Indian Independence Act 1947.
On 14-15 August, 1947, midnight, the British rule came to an end, and power was transferred to the two new independent Dominions of India and Pakistan. Lord Mountbatten became the first governor-general of the new Dominion of India. Jawahar Lal Nehru became the first prime minister of Independent India. The Constituent Assembly that was set up in 1946 became the Parliament of the Indian Dominion.
Indian Independence Day: Celebrations
Every year the Army, Navy, and Air Force marched across the Red Fort and the school children in colorful dresses in front of the dignitaries and the audience give performances.
Prime Minister of India unfurls the flag and holds a speech at the Red Fort. Several cultural programs are held in the state capital Delhi by various schools and organizations but this year due to the ongoing pandemic the celebration will be different.
People on Independence Day fly kites which symbolise the free spirit of India. Red Fort in Delhi is also an important symbol as on 15 August, 1947, the first Prime Minister of Independent India Jawahar Lal Nehru unveiled India’s flag. Several people attend the flag hoisting ceremony in the city of Delhi which is a beautiful experience to watch. And some people watch patriotic cinemas; watch the Red Fort ceremony in their houses on TV. The whole nation celebrates this day with full enthusiasm and with the spirit of patriotism.
So, Independence Day in India is celebrated in various ways and with full patriotic feelings. We are proud to be Indian.
Happy Independence Day!
Top Questions
When is Independence Day in India?
Independence Day in India occurs on August 15 of every year. It celebrates the date in 1947 when the Indian Independence Act came into effect, which established India and Pakistan as separate countries, no longer under British imperialist rule. (In Pakistan, Independence Day is celebrated on August 14th.)
Did the partition of India and Pakistan happen on Independence Day?
Independence Day in India marks the partition of India and Pakistan. The Indian Independence Act, passed by Britain’s Parliament, ordered that the dominions of India and Pakistan be demarcated by midnight of August 14–15, 1947.