Indian Independence Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Indian Independence Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Indian Independence Day is observed on August 15th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Indian Independence Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you should know about Indian Independence Day.

📅 What day is Indian Independence Day 2024?

In 2024, Indian Independence Day is on Tuesday, August 15th. It is the 3rd Tuesday in August; in 2024, it is Thursday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all the fun details and facts about August 15, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Maybe you’ve seen the movie “Gandhi,” but do you really know the real story behind it? Every year on August 15, we honor the courageous fight for freedom from British rule, led by remarkable individuals like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. Despite the immense power of the British Empire, with its saying that “the sun never sets,” determined groups of freedom fighters and clever strategists managed to defeat the British through strategic mobilization and the unwavering resilience built over centuries of oppression. Come join us in celebrating India’s remarkable journey towards independence, as Nehru famously described it as our “Tryst with Destiny.”

📜 Indian Independence Day History

India’s struggle for independence was finally successful after years of difficult campaigns. Following the two world wars, Britain started considering giving up its control over India. In 1947, the British administration announced that all powers would be transferred to India by June 1948. However, ongoing tensions and violence between Muslims and Hindus led to the decision to divide India into two separate states. On June 3, 1947, the British administration proposed that any constitution drafted by India’s Constituent Assembly would only apply to areas that accepted it. On the same day, Lord Mountbatten, the viceroy of India, implemented a plan for partition. Both the Congress and the Muslim League agreed to Mountbatten’s approach. The partition resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives and the creation of new borders. Finally, on August 15, 1947, India gained its independence, marked by Jawaharlal Nehru’s famous speech, “Tryst with destiny.”

The British rule over India came to an end with power being handed over to the newly independent countries of Pakistan and India. Lord Mountbatten became the first governor-general of the newly formed Dominion of India, and Jawaharlal Nehru became the first prime minister of India. The Constituent Assembly, established in 1946, transformed into the Parliament of the Indian Dominion.

✅ Indian Independence Day Facts

🔖 The date changed
India officially gained independence on July 18, 1947. However, Lord Mountbatten, who was from the United Kingdom, changed the date to August 15 so that it would align with the second anniversary of Japan surrendering to the Allied Forces.

🔖 Flag symbolizes progress
Initially, the Indian flag consisted of the colors red and green. However, in order to symbolize India’s progress as a nation, Gandhi proposed the addition of a white stripe in the center, adorned with a spinning wheel.

🔖 The day starts with a 21-gun salute
In celebration of Indian Independence Day, the country’s prime minister raises the Indian flag at the Red Fort in Delhi while the National Anthem is sung and a 21-gun salute is fired by the troops.

👍 Why Is Indian Independence Day Important

Because the Indian people emancipated themselves from the British without big troops or a national treasury, Indian Independence Day is the nation’s most celebrated celebration. It’s even more astounding when you consider how long the British ruled India. India’s colorful linens and scented spices drew British traders to the Indian subcontinent in the 1700s. After 100 years, the British East India Company had a firm grip on all aspects of India’s economy, a monopoly sanctioned by and benefiting from the British government.

“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind,” said Mahatma Gandhi, one of India’s most famous leaders. He was a trained lawyer who was among the first to advocate for Indians’ right to self-determination in their homeland. Gandhi elevated nonviolent resistance to a kind of political activity through his spiritual practice of “ahimsa,” which means “doing no harm.” The Indian National Congress was founded by Gandhi, Nehru, and other Indian leaders to plot against British rule and rally the public in the battle.

After years of struggle and misery, the Indian people broke free from British dominance. Following WWII, thanks to the determination of Indian independence fighters, the British Parliament ceded legislative control to the Constituent Assembly of India via the Indian Independence Act on August 15, 1947.

🙂 How To Observe Indian Independence Day

⚡ Shout “Vande Mataram!”

⚡ Make it a family affair
Bring together your loved ones on India’s Independence Day to enjoy a range of activities such as a picnic in the park, a delightful meal, or a leisurely walk in a beautiful garden. The key is to prioritize spending meaningful time with the people who hold a special place in your heart on this significant occasion.

⚡ Go fly a kite
Every liberation movement has a catchphrase. “Vande Mataram” became a rallying cry for India’s independence warriors as they fought the British. On Indian Independence Day, gather family and friends before, during, or after the ceremonies and yell “Vande Mataram!”

📅 When is Indian Independence Day?

Discover all 🔗 August holidays, including 🔗 Cultural and other 🔗 Civic holidays.

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