India Celebrates its 75th Independence Day in 2022

Independence Day is an annual national holiday in India marked on August 15. Independence Day celebrates the end of British rule in 1947 and the birth of a free and independent India. It also commemorates the subcontinent's partition into two countries, India and Pakistan, which happened at midnight on August 14-15, 1947 (In Pakistan, the 14th of August is Independence Day).

The British rule in India started in 1757 when the English East India Company took control over the nation following the British victory at the Battle of Plassey. After the Indian Mutiny in 1857-58, the East India Company was superseded by direct British rule (commonly referred to as the British raj). Mohandas K. Gandhi led the Indian independence movement during World War I, advocating for a peaceful and nonviolent end to British rule.

Flag-raising rituals, drills, and the singing of the Indian national hymn are held throughout India to commemorate Independence Day. Various cultural events are also made available in the state capitals. A parade of personnel of the military forces and police follows the prime minister's participation in the flag-raising ceremony at the Red Fort historic site in Old Delhi. The prime minister then gives a televised speech to the country, summarizing India's main achievements during the previous year and outlining future challenges and aspirations. Kite flying has also been a tradition during Independence Day, with kites of all sizes, shapes, and colors filling the sky. In addition, government offices in New Delhi stay illuminated throughout the holiday, even though they are closed.

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