| Independence Day | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Flag of India atop the Mantralaya building in Mumbai | |
| Also called | Swatantrata Divas (Hindi) |
| Observed by | Indians |
| Type | National |
| Date | August 15 |
| Celebrations | Flag hoisting, distribution of sweets in schools, flying kites, singing patriotic songs, entertainment and cultural programmes |
India's Independence Day (Hindi: Swatantrata Divas) is celebrated on August 15 to commemorate its independence from British rule and its birth as a sovereign nation on that day in 1947. The day is a national holiday in India. It is celebrated all over the country through flag-hoisting ceremony and distribution of sweets. The main celebration takes place in New Delhi, where the Prime Minister raises the national flag at the Red Fort and delivers a nationally televised speech from its ramparts. In his speech, he highlights the achievements of the government during the past year, raises important issues and gives a call for further development. Prime minister also pays tribute to leaders of the freedom struggle.
Road to independence
On 3 June 1947, Viscount Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last British Governor-General of India, announced the partitioning of the British Indian Empire into India and Pakistan, under the provisions of the Indian Independence Act 1947. At stroke of midnight, on 15 August 1947, India became an independent nation. This was preceded by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's famous speech titled Tryst with destiny.
| “ | At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance..... We end today a period of ill fortune, and India discovers herself again. | ” |
Prime Minister Nehru and Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel invited Lord Mountbatten to continue as Governor General of India. He was replaced in June 1948 by Chakravarti Rajagopalachari. Patel took on the responsibility of unifying 565 princely states, steering efforts by his “iron fist in a velvet glove” policies, exemplified by the use of military force to integrate Junagadh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Hyderabad state into India.
The Constituent Assembly completed the work of drafting the constitution on 26 November 1949; on 26 January 1950 the Republic of India was officially proclaimed. The Constituent Assembly elected Dr. Rajendra Prasad as the first President of India, taking over from Governor General Rajgopalachari. Subsequently, a free and sovereign India absorbed two other territories: Goa (liberated from Portuguese control in 1961) and Pondicherry (which the French ceded in 1954). In 1952, India held its first general elections, with a voter turnout exceeding 62%; in practice, this made India the world's largest democracy.
Celebrations
15th August is a National holiday of India. In the capital New Delhi most of the Government Offices are lit up. Flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programs take place in all the state capitals. In the cities around the country the Flag Hoisting Ceremony is done by politicians belonging to that constituency. In various private organisations the Flag Hoisting Ceremony is carried out by a Senior officer of that organisation. Schools and colleges around the country organise flag hoisting ceremony and various cultural activities within their respective premises. Families and friends get together for lunch or dinner, or for an outing. Housing colonies, cultural centres, clubs and societies hold entertainment programmes and competitions, usually based on the freedom theme.===Kite Flying=== Throughout varying regions of India, there is a popular tradition of flying kites on the Independence Day. The sky is dotted with hundreds of colourful kites and people engage in kite-flying competitions. Balconies and roof-tops of houses are full of people flying kites and one can hear cheerful shouts of children in the evening as the kites soar in the sky.
Programmes On TV
Television Channels, especially the national network, Doordarshan provide a live coverage on the occasion and radio channels give the live commentary for the general masses. Various channels treat their audience with patriotic films and songs on this day. Cultural programmes featuring classical music and dance performances by various artists are organized at several places.
- मंजिल पे आया मुल्क हर बला को टाल के
- सदियों के बाद फिर उड़े बादल गुलाल के
- हम लाए हैं तूफ़ान से कश्ती निकाल के
- इस देश को रखना मेरे बच्चों सम्भाल के
Translation:
- The nation arrived at its destination, after surviving many calamities
- and after several centuries, celebrated the freedom by throwing coloured powder
- We (the older generation) have steered this ship during the terrible storms,
- You, my children, keep this nation safe.
Literal Translation with Hindi Poetic License:
- (The nation) reached its goal after surviving many calamities
- At long last, centuries later, did fly clouds of colour
- From within the storm we have brought out the rudder (of the sailing ship)
- This nation, my children, you must preserve.
- these are the dates of independence day's of several country's
Country Date Significant event Afghanistan August 19 Independence from United Kingdom control over Afghan foreign affairs in 1919. Albania November 28 (Dita e Pavarësisë) Declared by Ismail Qemali in 1912 and signalled the end of five centuries of Ottoman rule. Algeria July 5 Independence from France in 1962. Andorra March 14 Independence from France and Spain in 1993. Angola November 11 Portugal grants independence to its former colony in 1975. Antigua and Barbuda November 1 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1981. Argentina July 9 Independence declared from Spain in 1816. Armenia September 21 Independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Australia January 26 Australia Day: Australia's official national day; commemorates the landing of the First Fleet in Sydney Cove on that day in 1788. Austria May 15 Independence from United States, Soviet Union, United Kingdom and France in 1955. Azerbaijan October 18 Independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Bahamas July 10 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1973. Bahrain August 15 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1971. Bangladesh March 26 Independence was declared from Pakistan and this led to a nine month war ending on December 16, 1971. Barbados November 30 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1966. Belarus July 3 Liberation of Minsk from German occupation by Soviet troops in 1944. Belgium July 21 (Belgian revolution) Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld takes the oath as first king of the Belgians in 1831. Belize September 21 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1981. Benin August 1 Independence from France in 1960. Bolivia August 6 Independence from Spain in 1825. Bosnia and Herzegovina March 1 Independence from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1992. Botswana September 30 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1966. Brazil September 7 (Sete de Setembro) Declared Independence from Portugal on that date in 1822. Not recognized until August 29, 1825. Brunei January 1 Independence from United Kingdom in 1984 Bulgaria September 22 De jure independence from Ottoman Empire in 1908 Burkina Faso August 5 Independence from France in 1960 Burundi July 1 Independence from Belgium in 1962 Canada July 1 (Canada Day/Fête du Canada) Canada's national holiday, marking the establishment of Canada as a self-governing country on July 1, 1867. Cape Verde Islands July 5 (Cape Verde Independence Day) Independence from Portugal in 1975. Chad August 11 Independence from France in 1960. Chile February 12 Declared Independence from Spain on that date in 1818. In actuality, Chileans celebrate the date of the first Government Junta, September 18. This date was not recognized as until 25 April 1844. Colombia July 20 and August 7 Independence from Spain in 1810. Democratic Republic of the Congo June 30 Independence from Belgium in 1960. Costa Rica September 15 Independence from Spain in 1821. Croatia October 8 Independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. Cyprus August 16 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1960. Czech & Slovak Republics October 28 As Czechoslovakia, marking restored independence from Austria-Hungary in 1918. As Czechoslovakia, marking the Velvet Revolution in 1989.
Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Republic of Korea August 15 Japanese surrender in World War II (1945). Dominican Republic February 27 Independence from Haiti in 1844, after a 22-year occupation. East Timor May 20 Independence from Indonesia in 2002. Ecuador August 10 and May 24 Proclaimed independence from Spain in August 10, 1809, but failed with the execution of all the conspirators of the movement in August 2, 1810. Independence finally occurred in May 24, 1822 at Battle of Pichincha. Eritrea May 24 Independence from Ethiopia in 1993. Estonia February 24 Independence from the Bolshevist Russia in 1918. Finland December 6 Independence from Russia in 1917. The Gambia February 18 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1965. Georgia May 26 Independence from Russia in 1918. Ghana March 6 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1957. Greece March 25 Declaration of independence from Ottoman Empire in 1821. Start of the Greek War of Independence Guatemala September 15 Independence from Spain in 1821. Guyana May 26 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1966. Haiti January 1 Independence from France in 1804. Honduras September 15 Independence from Kingdom of Spain in 1821. Iceland June 17 Independence from Kingdom of Denmark in 1944. India August 15 Independence gained after transfer of power from the United Kingdom in 1947. Indonesia August 17 Proclamation of Independence day (Hari Proklamasi Kemerdekaan R.I.) from the Netherlands. Independence from Japan in 1945. Israel 5 Iyar (Yom Ha'atzmaut) celebrated on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday nearest to 5 Iyar, so it actually occurs between the 3rd and 6th of Iyar, which may fall between April 15 and May 15. The Gregorian date in which Israeli independence was proclaimed is May 14, 1948 (from the British Mandate of Palestine). Italy June 2 Festa della Repubblica Italy's Republic Day; celebrates the birth of the Italian nation. See Birth of the Italian Republic. Jamaica August 6 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1962. Jordan May 25 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1946. Kazakhstan December 16 Independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Kenya December 12 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1963. Korea, North September 9 Founding of the DPRK in 1948. Korea, South August 15 (Gwangbokjeol) Independence from Japan in 1945. Kuwait January 26 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1961. Kyrgyzstan August 31 Independence from USSR in 1991. Latvia November 18 Independence from Russia in 1918. Lebanon November 22 Independence from France in 1943. Lesotho October 4 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1966. Liberia July 26 Independence in 1847. Lithuania February 16 and March 11 Independence from Russia and Germany in February, 1918; independence from the Soviet Union in March, 1990. Madagascar June 26 Independence from France in 1960. Malawi July 6 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1964. Malaysia August 31 (Hari Merdeka) Independence from the United Kingdom in 1957 Maldives July 26 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1965 Mali September 22 Independence from France in 1960 Malta September 21 (Independence Day (Malta)) Independence from the United Kingdom in 1964. Mauritius March 12 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1968. Mexico September 16 (Grito de Dolores) Independence from Spain declared in 1810. Recognized on September 27, 1821 Moldova August 27 Independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 Mongolia November 26 Independence from China on July 11, 1921 Montenegro May 21 Independence from State union with Serbia, in 2006 Morocco March 2 Independence from France and Spain in 1956 Mozambique June 25 Independence from Portugal in 1975 Myanmar January 4 Independence from United Kingdom in 1948 Namibia March 21 Independence from South African mandate in 1990 Nicaragua September 15 Independence from Spain in 1821 Niger August 3 Independence from France in 1960 Nigeria October 1 Independence from United Kingdom in 1960 Norway May 17 Independence from Sweden in 1905. Commonly celebrated on May 17, the Constitution Day set by signing of the Norwegian Constitution at Eidsvoll in 1814. Pakistan August 14 (Yaum e Azadi) Independence from the United Kingdom. Panama November 28 Independence from Spain in 1821. The 1903 separation from Colombia is also celebrated (on November 3, Separation Day). Papua New Guinea September 16 Independence from Australia of the former Territories of New Guinea, and Papua, in 1975. Paraguay May 15 (Día de Independencia) Independence from Spain in 1811. Peru July 28 Independence from Spain in 1821. Philippines June 12 (Araw ng Kalayaan) Independence from Spain in 1898. Poland November 11 (Święto Niepodległości) Restoration of Poland's independence in 1918 after 123 years of partitions by Austro-Hungary, Prussia, and Russia. Portugal December 1 Restoration of Portugal's independence (from Spain) in 1640. The country's original independence (from the Kingdom of León) was recognized on 5 October of 1143. That day is a holiday in Portugal, but for a different reason. (Implantation of the Republic, or Republic Day. Event of 1910.) Note that none of these events are similar to today's declarations or recognition of independence as these are in fact the recognition of the rule of a king to the land. Portugal existed as a separated entity before 1143 and during the union with Spain between 1580-1640.
Qatar September 3 Independence from United Kingdom in 1971. Republic of Ireland December 6 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1922. Republic of Macedonia September 8/May 25 (Den na nezavisnosta or Ден на независноста) Independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. Romania May 9 Independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1877. Russia June 12 (Russia Day) Rwanda July 1 Independence from Belgium in 1962. São Tomé and Príncipe July 12 Independence from Portugal in 1975. Serbia February 15 The beginning of the First Uprising against Ottoman occupation in 1804. Seychelles June 29 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1976. Sierra Leone April 27 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1961. Singapore August 9 (National Day) marks exit / separation from Malaysia in 1965. Slovakia July 17 Declaration of Independence (only a remembrance day), but the independence came only on January 1, 1993 from the division of Czechoslovakia (public holiday). Slovenia December 26 (Independence and Unity Day) Date of the release of the official results of the independence plebiscite in 1990, confirming secession from Yugoslavia. South Africa December 11 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1931. Not a public holiday. Union of South Africa formed on 31 May 1910 and Republic of South Africa declared on 31 May 1961 Sri Lanka February 4 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1948. Suriname November 25 Independence from The Netherlands in 1975. Swaziland September 6 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1968. Switzerland August 1 Alliance against the Holy Roman Empire in 1291. Tajikistan September 9 Independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Tanzania December 9 Declaration of independence from United Kingdom in 1961. Trinidad and Tobago August 31 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1962. Tonga June 4 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1970. Tunisia March 20 Declaration of independence from France in 1956. Turkey October 29 Declared independence (i.e. dissolved the Ottoman Empire) in 1923. Ukraine August 24 Independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. United Arab Emirates December 2 Independence from the United Kingdom in 1971. United States of America July 4 (Fourth of July) Declaration of independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1776. Uruguay August 25 (Día de la Independencia) Declaration of independence from Brazil in 1825. Uzbekistan September 1 Independence from USSR in 1991. Vatican City February 11 Lateran Treaty signed with Italy in 1929. Venezuela July 5 Declaration of independence from Spain in 1811. Vietnam September 2 Declaration of independence from France in 1945. Yemen November 30 South Yemen Declaration of independence from United Kingdom in 1967. Zambia October 24 Declaration of independence from United Kingdom in 1964. Zimbabwe April 18 Declaration of independence from United Kingdom in 1980.
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