India celebrates 72nd Independence Day

How is Independence Day celebrated in India?

• Every year, India celebrates Independence Day on 15 August at Red Fort.
• The Army, Navy and Air Force march across the fort while school children perform for dignitaries and audience present.
• President of India gives a speech every year in order to “Address to the Nation” on the evening of a day before the Independence Day.
• The Prime Minister of India hoists the Indian flag on the Red Fort, Delhi.
• After the flag hoisting, National Anthem song is sung and twenty-one gun shots are fired to salute and honour the Indian flag and solemn occasion.
• The Prime Minister highlights over all the achievements of past year, important social issues and solutions, further development in the country.

Significance of 15 August

• On this day, the UK Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act, 1947 and transferred the legislative sovereignty to the Indian Constituent Assembly.
• Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India, hoisted the Indian flag at the Lahori Gate in Red Fort, New Delhi on this day, 71 years ago.
• Lord Mountbatten insisted to observe August 15 as the Independence Day of India as this day is also celebrated for the victory of British allied force over Japan during World War II.