66th Independence Day of India: 15 August 2012
- The Independence Day of India, celebrated on 15 August, is a holiday commemorating India's independence from the British rule and its birth as a sovereign nation on 15 August 1947.
- India achieved independence following the Indian independence movement noted for largely peaceful nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience led by the Indian National Congress.
- The flagship event takes place in Delhi where the Prime Minister hoists the National flag at the Red Fort, followed by a nationally broadcast speech from its ramparts. The day is observed all over India with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades and cultural events.’
- The celebrations are marked by the hoisting of the national flag by the prime minister of India at the Red Fort, as well as by chief ministers in their respective state capitals.
- The flag hoisting is followed by an Independence Day parade through the capital and cultural events are held all over the nation.
- Security concerns over militant attacks and sporadic calls for boycotting the celebration by separatist outfits occasionally limit the celebration in some places.
- Some organisations have carried out terrorist attacks on and around 15 August, and others have declared bandh and used black flags to boycott the celebration. Several books and films feature the independence and partition as pivotal events in their narrative.
- Security measures in the country are intensified before the Independence Day celebration, especially in major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and in troubled states such as Jammu and Kashmir.
- On the eve of 15th August 1947, India tricolor (saffron, green and white) flag was first hoisted by Jawahar Lal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, at the Red Fort of Delhi.
- The Independence Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm in all over the India. On this day tributes are paid to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives to gain the freedom for India. The main event takes place in New Delhi, where the Prime Minister hoists the National Flag at the Red Fort accompanied with the gun shots, parade, amazing live performances and music.
- On this day many political leaders appear at the public events and talk about the nation's heritage, laws, history, people, about recent events and future projects.
- The Independence Day is considered as a Public Day with outings, picnics and lots of outdoor events like parades, air shows, fireworks and musical concerts. Nowadays kite flying has become a tradition on this day and people fly numerous kites of all colors, sizes and shapes symbolizing the freedom.
- Indians proudly fly their tricolor Flag, sing patriotic songs like “Vande Mataram”, “Jan Gan Man” etc. and enjoy the day with their friends and families.
