'Viksit Bharat' theme for 78th Independence Day celebrations | 15 August Independence Day 2024

Celebrated on the 15th of August every year, India Independence Day marks the end of 190-year-long British rule in India. On this day, in 1947, India was declared a free country.

In 2024, India will complete 78 years as an independent nation.

Independence Day Information

English	Independence Day
Hindi	स्वतंत्रतादिवस
Observed by	India
Type	National
Significance	Independence Day of India
Celebrations	Flag hoisting, parade, and kite flying
Date	15-Aug
Frequency	Annual
First Observed Year	1947
Type of holiday	Public holiday, National day

Independence Day History and Significance

In 1757, the East India Company defeated the last Nawab of Bengal in the Battle of Plassey, which marked the beginning of British rule in India. The Indian Rebellion or the First War of Independence took place in 1857, a major yet unsuccessful uprising against British rule.

In the year 1885, India’s first political party, the Indian National Congress was formed. After the conclusion of World War I in 1918, Indian activists called for self-rule or ‘Swaraj’.

In 1929, the Indian National Congress declared ‘Purna Swaraj’ or the Independence of India at an assembly in Lahore. Finally, after a series of sessions and meetings between the British government and the Indian National Congress, Lord Mountbatten, the last viceroy of pre-independent India, agreed to the proposal.

On 15th August 1947, Lord Mountbatten partitioned British India into two new independent nations; India and Pakistan. This marked the first India Independence Day in 1947.

Independence Day Celebrations across India

On this day, the national flag of India is hoisted at multiple public places; the Prime Minister unfurls the national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi to commemorate this historical event. Along with the flag-hoisting ceremony, parade, and folk-dance performances also take place. Multiple festivities take place in different parts of the nation.

Academic institutions including schools and colleges, host a special ceremony for enlightening the students about the historical significance of this day. Children fly tri-colored kites to celebrate this occasion.

Streets, buildings, and public spaces are adorned with the national flag, tri-colored buntings, and decorative lights. It is customary to distribute sweets, particularly laddoos, as a gesture of joy and harmony. People exchange sweets with friends, neighbors, and colleagues, spreading the festive spirit of India Independence Day. The flag hoisting ceremony at the Red Fort in Delhi is telecast live on national television and streamed online along with many patriotic Indian films to watch on Independence Day.

Kite flying is a popular tradition associated with Independence Day. People of all ages gather on rooftops and open grounds to fly colorful kites, symbolizing the freedom and aspirations of the nation. People share their Independence Day images and videos of celebrations on social media platforms.

Independence Day: Flag Hoisting at Red Fort

Every year The Prime Minister of India hoists the flag at the Red Fort followed by a speech acknowledging the people of India, its achievements, challenges, and the government’s vision for the nation. The hoisting of the national flag is a symbolic expression of India’s rise as an independent nation and the end of British rule. The ceremony at the Red Fort is also an expression of gratitude and respect to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for a free India.

The Independence Day celebration at the Red Fort also features captivating cultural performances by artists from different parts of the country. These performances showcase the diverse cultural heritage of India through music, dance, and other traditional art forms. The vibrant and patriotic atmosphere generated by these performances adds to the festive spirit of the occasion.

Independence Day 2024 Theme

The theme for the 78th Independence Day celebrations is ’Viksit Bharat’, in sync with the government’s vision to transform the country into a developed nation by 2047.

The theme for the 76th Independence Day in India was ‘Nation First, Always First,’ which was held as part of the events under ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mohatsav.’ The government decided to do various programs under this initiative which celebrated different cultures of the country.

Places to Observe Independence Day Celebration in India

• Delhi
• Ahmedabad
• Amritsar

FAQs

Q. How is Happy Independence Day 2024 celebrated in India?

A. People greet each other by saying “Happy Independence Day”, distributing sweets, decorating their houses with the tricolor and national flag, and fly kites. People tell stories to children about Independence Day and the struggles of freedom fighters.

Q. Why Independence Day is celebrated?

A. Celebrated on the 15th of August every year, India Independence Day marks the end of 190-year-long British rule in India. On this day, in 1947, India was declared a free country.

Q. How many years of Independence Day is 2024?

A. In 2024, India will celebrate 78 years of Independence from the British.

Q. When is American Independence Day?

A. The American Independence Day is celebrated on July 4th.

Q. Who hoists the national flag at Red Fort on Independence Day?

A. The Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag on the Red Fort on Independence Day.

Q. What is the difference between Independence Day and Republic Day?

A. Independence Day marks the nation’s Independence from British rule in 1947. 26 January Republic Day marks the day when the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950.

Q. Which Independence Day will be celebrated in 2024?

A. In 2024, India will celebrate its 77th Independence Day.