Independence Day
To mark 76 years of India’s independence, the Center has decided to illuminate the country’s historic buildings with tricolor lights on August 15, Independence Day 2024.
As part of the celebrations, a total of 150 monuments will be decorated with the tricolor theme. Some monuments are already illuminated.
What Do People Do?
Independence Day is a day when people in India pay respect to their leaders and those who fought for India’s freedom in the past. In the run-up to Independence Day, major government buildings are illuminated with strings of lights and tricolor flags fly from houses and other buildings.
Special contests, programs and essays may promote the day in broadcast, print and online media. Movies about Indian freedom fighters are also shown on television.
President delivers ‘Address to the Nation’ on Independence Day. The Prime Minister of India hoists the Indian flag and addresses the Red Fort in Old Delhi.
Flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programs are held in state capitals and often involve several schools and organizations.
Many spend the day with family members or close friends. They can have a picnic in a park or private garden, go to a movie, or have lunch or dinner at home or in a restaurant. Other people go kite flying or sing or listen to patriotic songs.
Public Life
Independence Day is a gazette holiday in India on 15 August every year. National, state and local government offices, post offices and banks are closed on this day. Shops and other businesses and establishments may be closed or have reduced opening hours.
Public transport is generally not affected as many locals travel for the celebrations but there may be increased traffic and increased security in areas where celebrations are taking place. Independence Day flag hoisting ceremonies may cause some disruption to traffic, especially in Delhi and state capitals in India.
Background
India’s struggle for independence began in 1857 with the Sepoy Mutiny at Meerut. Later, in the 20th century, the Indian National Congress and other political organizations, led by Mahatma Gandhi, launched a nationwide freedom movement. Colonial powers were transferred to India on August 15, 1947.
On August 14, 1947, at 11 p.m., the Constituent Assembly convened for the transfer of power. India achieved independence and became an independent country between August 14 and August 15, 1947. That’s when the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India, delivered his famous “Try with Destiny” speech. People across India are reminiscing about the significance of this event – it marked the beginning of a new era of freedom from British colonial rule in India for more than 200 years.
Symbols
The sport of kite flying symbolizes Independence Day. The skies are filled with countless butterflies flying from rooftops and fields to symbolize India’s spirit of independence. Kites of various styles, sizes, and shades are available on the market, including the tricolor flag. The Red Fort in Delhi is also an important Independence Day symbol in India, as it is where Indian Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru unveiled India’s flag on August 15, 1947.
The national flag of India is a horizontal tricolor of deep saffron (Kesaria) at the top, white in the middle, and dark green at the bottom in equal proportions. The ratio of the width of the vine to its length is two to three. A navy-blue wheel in the center of the white band represents the wheel. Its design is the wheel that appears on the abacus of Ashoka’s Sarnath lion capital. Its diameter approximates the width of the white stripe, and it has 24 spokes.
FAQs
What is the significance of illuminating historic buildings with tricolor lights on Independence Day?
Illuminating historic buildings with tricolor lights symbolizes the celebration of India's independence and pays homage to the country's rich history and struggle for freedom.
How many monuments will be decorated with the tricolor theme as part of the Independence Day celebrations?
A total of 150 monuments will be decorated with the tricolor theme to mark India's 76th Independence Day.
What activities do people engage in on Independence Day in India?
On Independence Day, people in India pay respect to their leaders and freedom fighters, participate in flag hoisting ceremonies, watch patriotic movies, engage in cultural programs, and spend time with family and friends through activities like picnics, kite flying, and singing patriotic songs.
Is Independence Day a public holiday in India?
Yes, Independence Day is a gazetted holiday in India observed on August 15 every year. National, state, and local government offices, as well as banks and post offices, remain closed on this day.
What is the historical background of India's struggle for independence?
India's struggle for independence began in 1857 with the Sepoy Mutiny and continued into the 20th century through movements led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi. India finally achieved independence on August 15, 1947, marking the end of British colonial rule.