Independence Day Holiday – 15th August 2023 (76th Independence Day)
On 15th August 1947, India officially gained independence from the 200-year-long oppression from the British Empire. Since then, independence day holiday has been celebrated each year on the 15th of August. It is celebrated to honour the selfless sacrifices of thousands of valiant patriots who kept the freedom struggle alive until the Indians were independent. The first independence day of India was celebrated on the 15th of August 1947. It was on this day that the Indian national flag was hoisted for the first time in independent India. This year India will be observing its 76th independence day.
Read on to learn more about Independence day 2023 in India!
| Independence Day 2023 Date | 15th August 2023 |
| Day | Tuesday |
| Year | 76th Independence Day |
| Significance | India officially gained independence from the 200-year-long oppression from the British Empire |
| Also Called As | Swatantrata Diwas |
When is Independence Day in 2023?
In India, Independence day is celebrated on 15th August. It is observed as a public holiday, where all private offices, shops, schools, and Government offices are closed. The Tricolor is unfurled by the Prime Minister from the Red Fort on the 15th of August each year to mark Independence Day celebrations.
The Indian Independence Act 1947
The Indian Independence Act of 1947 was passed to partition the country into two states – India and Pakistan. The primary objective of the Act was to transfer legislative sovereignty to the Indian constituent assembly from the erstwhile British Government. Even though the Act is called the “Indian Independence Act 1947”, it was passed by the parliament of the United Kingdom. This act got Royal assent on 18th July 1947, and ultimately independence became a reality on 15th August 1947.
Other important outcomes of the act include:
- It paved the way for the partition of the provinces of Bengal and Punjab.
- Offices of the Governor-General were established in India and Pakistan that were supposed to act as representatives of the British Government.
- It allowed full-fledged legislative authority to the divided nations.
- It gave princely states the option to join either of the two, India or Pakistan.
However, the act was repealed on 26th January 1950 when the Constitution of India took over.
Why is independence Day Celebrated?
15th August, every year since 1947, is observed as the Indian Independence Day to celebrate the true spirit of freedom and independence in the country. The Independence day celebration is done to pay our tributes to the countless freedom fighters who stood tall against British rule and shed their lives to free India from colonial rule.
Independence day commemorates the end of India as a British colony. The British left the country after over 200 years. Moreover, Independence Day holiday is a national event to spread the feeling of nationhood. It instilled a sense of pride and a feeling of patriotism among every citizen of the country.
How is Independence Day Celebrated?
Days before 15th August, one could easily guess independence day is coming. Government offices, buildings, and landmarks light up in national colors. One can easily spot various shops selling tricolor clothes, flags, souvenirs and other items used in independence day decoration.
On this day, the national flag receives much-deserved attention and love. Patriotic songs are played at metro stations, schools, government offices, etc. One peculiar independence day activity is the screening of patriotic films and documentaries on almost all TV channels.
It’s a day marked with whirlwind commemoration, and the following are some worth observing practices:
1. Flag Hoisting at Red Fort
The incumbent prime minister receives a 21-gun salute from the Indian armed forces at the Red Fort and hoists the tricolor. The highlight point of the celebration is the independence day parade, where all three armed forces put on display their abilities and capabilities. The celebration also includes the prime minister’s address to the nation, where he speaks about the nation’s journey since independence and hints at the roadmap ahead.
2. Address by Various Political Leaders
Political leaders are invited to different flag-hoisting events where they inspire the gathering on the feeling of nationhood. Chief ministers of states, governors, leaders of the opposition, MPs, MLAs and other people of influence are the ones you’d find addressing the mob on independence day.
3. Celebrations at Home
Since independence day is a national holiday, people get to spend the day with their families. Most families are excited about watching the independence day parade on Doordarshan, followed by a spree of patriotic movies.
How is Independence Day Celebrated in Schools?
15th August is a national holiday. However, a day before the holiday or anytime during the week of 15th August, educational institutions organise special events to make children aware of the importance of independence day.
The Government allocates special funds to schools for organising independence day programs. The idea is to make the new generation aware of the hardships faced by our ancestors in freeing the country from the clutches of the British Empire.
Schools allow children to sing freedom songs, participate in essay writing competitions, debates, present skits, acts, dance and anything that signifies the importance of the independence movement.
Learned members of the teaching staff and senior students often educate children on the significance of the day. Since the past few years, schools, especially Government schools, have arranged for students to listen to the Prime Minister’s address to the nation on independence day.
Places to Observe Independence Day Celebration in India
Venues may be different, but the enthusiasm and feeling of patriotism with which people celebrate independence day are the same across the nation. That said, experiencing independence day celebrations at places of historical significance adds to the experience.
Following are some places where you can experience the best independence day celebrations in India:
1. Wagah Border
Wagah Border is situated in Amritsar, Punjab. The border fencing separates India from Pakistan. The border security forces on either side are there to perform drills. On independence day, soldiers from both sides exchange sweets and march past in perfect drill. The “Beating the Retreat” ceremony on independence day is a treat to watch. Scenes at Wagah Border turn very enjoyable as soon as the artificial tricolour lights are on. The atmosphere there is electrifying.
2. National War Memorial
Visiting the national war memorial at India Gate in Delhi would surely give you goosebumps. Constructed in the memories of brave martyrs, it will continue to serve as a token of inspiration for coming generations. Each year on independence day, the President, accompanied by some Central ministers, pays his tribute to the fallen soldiers.
3. Red Fort
The most auspicious independence day celebration occurs at the Red Fort in Delhi. Red Fort is where the Prime Minister unfurls the independence day Indian flag. Other attractions include the 21 gunshot regime, the Prime Minister’s speech, and the independence day fair. Seats for the event for the general public are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Independence Day Background and History
Independence day, also known as Swatantrata Diwas, is observed in remembrance of the fallen martyrs who helped in the success of the independence movement. India was freed from British rule on this day and divided into two nations on religious lines.
Exhausted by world war II, the Britishers were quick to realise that it was a matter of time before they completely lost control over India. The civil disobedience movement going nationwide stirred the Government in Britain. On 20th February 1947, the British decided to hand over full self-governance to India. After that, it was a matter of months before we took our independence.
On the evening of 14th August 1947, the Constituent Assembly of India met for the fifth meeting headed by president Rajendra Prasad. It was during this session when Jawaharlal Nehru delivered his immortal speech, “Tryst with Destiny”, to declare India’s Independence.
Since then, on each independence day, the prime minister hoists the flag at Red Fort and delivers a speech addressing the nation.
Final words
India is all ready to commemorate its 76th independence day in 2023. The journey from being a slave in the hands of British rule to becoming the world’s 5th largest economy surpassing the United Kingdom, was full of ups and downs. We had our moments of brilliance and opportunities to self-introspect. But all along the journey, citizens of India have carried a true sense of patriotism and nationhood in their hearts. Celebrating independence day holiday on 15th August every year is one way to express our gratitude to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country.
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FAQs
It was on 15th August 1947 when India clinched independence from the 200-year-long British tyranny. Since then, every year, 15th of August has been celebrated as independence day.
We are going to celebrate the 76th independence day in 2023. The 75th independence day themed nation First, Always First was celebrated on 15th August 2022.
Though celebrations are observed nationwide, the celebration at Red Fort is certainly a thing to be a part of. You can even watch the entire proceeding live on your television sets or smartphones, as it is aired live by the official broadcaster Doordarshan. Other noteworthy celebrations are held at Wagah Border, National War Memorial, Gandhi Smriti Museum, etc.
Yes, independence day is a national holiday. There is a holiday nationwide as all states and union territories observe this day. Independence day is one of the three national holidays, the other two being Republic Day and Gandhi Jayanti.
Though the tricolour is unfurled on both occasions, there’s one notable difference. On 26th January, i.e. Republic Day, the President of India hoists the tricolour, while on 15th August, the prime minister hoists it.
