Independence Day

India’s Independence Day commemorates the end of British colonial rule and the transfer of power on 15 August 1947. The achievement followed decades of political organisation, mass movements, revolutionary activity, constitutional negotiation and sacrifice by people from many regions and communities. Independence arrived together with the Partition of British India into India and Pakistan, bringing freedom as well as immense displacement and violence; that difficult dual history is part of the date’s memory. On the eve of independence, Jawaharlal Nehru addressed the Constituent Assembly with the “Tryst with Destiny” speech, and the new national flag became a central symbol of sovereignty. Each 15 August the Prime Minister hoists the flag at Delhi’s Red Fort and addresses the nation, while schools, public institutions and communities hold flag ceremonies and cultural programmes. The day celebrates self-government while also recalling the responsibility to protect the democratic and plural ideals of independent India.

Independence Day helps remember an important person, institution, event or public value in India.