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Independence Day 2024 History, Significance & Importance

Published Date: 13-Dec-2022

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

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

Independence Day Information

English  Independence Day
Hindi  स्वतंत्रता दिवस
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

Independence Day 2020 | Independence Day History and Significance

Independence Day 2024 | 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 which was 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 who served as 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 1947.

Independence Day Celebrations across India

Independence Day 2020 | Independence Day celebration

Independence Day 2024 | Independence Day celebration

On this day, the national flag of India is hoisted at multiple public places; Prime Minister unfurls the national flag at 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-coloured kites to celebrate this occasion.

Streets, buildings, and public spaces are adorned with the national flag, tri-coloured buntings, and decorative lights. It is customary to distribute sweets, particularly laddoos, as a gesture of joy and harmony. People exchange sweets with friends, neighbours, 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 colourful 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 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

Year-Wise Independence Day Observances

YEAR DAY DATE Event/Festival
2015 Sat 15-Aug Independence Day
2016 Mon 15-Aug Independence Day
2017 Tue 15-Aug Independence Day
2018 Wed 15-Aug Independence Day
2019 Thu 15-Aug Independence Day
2020 Sat 15-Aug Independence Day
2021 Sun 15-Aug Independence Day
2022 Mon 15-Aug Independence Day
2023 Tue 15-Aug Independence Day
2024 Thur 15-Aug Independence Day
2025 Fri 15-Aug Independence Day

Other Festivals in India with Holiday Type

Festivals in India Day Date Holiday Type
New Year’s Day Mon 01-Jan Restricted Holiday
Lohri Sat 13-Jan Restricted Holiday
Makar Sankranti Sun 14-Jan Restricted Holiday
Pongal Mon 15-Jan Restricted Holiday
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti Wed 17-Jan Restricted Holiday
Republic Day Fri 26-Jan Gazetted Holiday
Losar Sat 10-Feb Restricted Holiday
Basant Panchmi Wed 14-Feb Restricted Holiday
Guru Ravidas Jayanti Sat 24-Feb Gazetted Holiday
Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti Wed 6-Mar Restricted Holiday
Mahashivratri Fri 8-Mar Gazetted Holiday
Holi Mon 25-March Gazetted Holiday
Good Friday Fri 29-Mar Gazetted Holiday
Easter Day Sun 31-Mar Restricted Holiday
Gudi Padwa Tue 9-Apr Restricted Holiday
Eid-ul-Fitr Wed 10-Apr Gazetted Holiday
Vaisakhi (Vishu) Sat 13-Apr Restricted Holiday
Rama Navami Wed 17-Apr Gazetted Holiday
Mahavir Jayanti Sun 21-Apr Gazetted Holiday
Rabindra Jayanti Wed 8-May Restricted Holiday
Buddha Purnima (Vesak) Thu 23-May Gazetted Holiday
Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) Mon 17-Jun Restricted Holiday
Rath Yatra Sun 7-Jul Gazetted Holiday
Muharram (Ashura) Wed 17-Jul Gazetted Holiday
Independence Day Thu 15-Aug Gazetted Holiday
Parsi New Year’s Day (Nauraz) Thu 15-Aug Public Holiday
Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) Mon 19-Aug Restricted Holiday
Janmashtami Mon 26-Aug Restricted Holiday
Ganesh Chaturthi Sat 7-Sep Restricted Holiday
Onam Sun 15-Sep Restricted Holiday
Milad-un-Nabi or Id-e- Milad Mon 16-Sep Gazetted Holiday
Gandhi Jayanti Wed 02-Oct Gazetted Holiday
Dussehra Sat 12-Oct Gazetted Holiday
Valmiki Jayanti Thu 17-Oct Restricted Holiday
Karva Chauth Sun 20-Oct Gazetted Holiday
Dhanteras Tue 29-Oct Restricted Holiday
Kali Puja Thu 31-Oct Gazetted Holiday
Halloween Day Thu 31-Oct No Holiday
Diwali Fri 1-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Lakshmi Puja Fri 1-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Karnataka Rajyotsava Fri 1-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Kerala Piravi Fri 1-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Govardhan Puja Sat 2-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Bhai Dooj Sun 3-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Chhath Puja Thu 7-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Guru Nanak Jayanti Fri 15-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Christmas Wed 25-Dec Public Holiday

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 tricolour 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. In 1947, India was declared a free country on this day.

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.

Sargun Preet Kaur
Sargun has an appetite for challenges and creative hurdles that can help her grow as she conquers them one by one. With an innate desire to travel the world, she weaves through life by visiting her dream destinations. When not in her creative zone, Sargun loves to smash in badminton and binge-watch her favourite shows.

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