Indian Independence Day is celebrated as a national holiday in India every year on 15th August. The day is significant as it commemorates the country's independence from the United Kingdom on 15 August 1947. It was on this day that the Constituent Assembly of India was granted statutory sovereignty by the provisions of the Indian Independence Act, 1947.

King George VI remained the head of state until India became a republic. On 26 January 1950 (celebrated as the Republic Day of India), India adopted the Constitution and became a republic by enacting the Constitution of India, the sovereign law of the country. The country gained independence after the Indian Independence Movement, which was noted for its large-scale non-violent protests and civil disobedience.

After independence, India was partitioned along religious lines, with British India divided into India and Pakistan. After the partition, there were violent riots and there was a huge loss of life. Almost 1.5 crore people migrated due to religious violence. On August 15, 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, hoisted the Indian national flag at the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort in the capital, Delhi. On each subsequent Independence Day, the sitting Prime Minister traditionally hoists the flag at the Red Fort and addresses the nation. [1] The entire program is broadcast by Doordarshan, India's national broadcaster. The program begins with clarinet music possibly by Ustad Bismillah Khan.

Decoration of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation on the occasion of Independence Day. Picture: 14 August 2016, Mumbai

Independence Day is celebrated across India with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades and cultural events. This day is a national holiday of India

A.D. India was ruled by the British from 1770. Since the 19th century, all the states were controlled by the British with their military power. After the Independence War of 1857, the British made their system more disciplined. Indian National Congress was established in 1885.

After the Second World War, the British realized that they could not manage the rule and war on India. Also, on the other side, the strength of the Indian revolutionaries was increasing. After knowing this, the British Prime Minister promised complete independence of India by June 1947. India finally became independent on 15 August 1947. But at that time, India was divided into two parts, Pakistan and India. Many people were also killed in this. Later, due to this partition, the issue of Kashmir also came forward. Read More