Independence Day is one of the national festivals of India with the other two being Republic Day and Gandhi Jayanti. It is celebrated on the 15th of August each year ever since India got independence from the British rule in 1947. The day celebrates freedom and independence in the true sense.

History of Independence Day

India was ruled by the British for almost two centuries. The citizens of our country suffered at the hands of the tyrant British officials for years until they finally managed to gather strength and fight them. They struggled for the independence of our country selflessly and tirelessly under the leadership of patriots such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, Chandra Shekhar Azad and Bhagat Singh. While some of these leaders advocated the path of non-violence others took to aggressive means to fight the British.

However, the ultimate aim of all of them was to drive the British out of the country. After numerous freedom movements, protests and sacrifices, our country finally got independence on 15th August 1947 which was declared as the Independence Day of our country.

Why do We Celebrate Independence Day?

We celebrate Independence Day to celebrate the spirit of freedom and independence. It is also celebrated to commemorate the sacrifices of our freedom fighters. This day is a reminder that the freedom we enjoy today has been earned the hard way and that we must value it as well as make the most of it for our good and the good of our nation.

By way of Independence Day celebrations each year the younger generation is acquainted with the struggles of the people who lived in British colonized India. The celebration is a way of invoking patriotic feelings among the people of our country to encourage them to stay united and work for its betterment.

Activities on Independence Day

Independence Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm in different parts of our country. Various big and small events are organized in schools, colleges, offices and residential societies to celebrate this day. Here are some of the activities done on Independence Day:

Flag Hoisting: On this day, the Prime Minister of our country hoists the Indian National Flag at Red Fort. This is followed by 21 gun shots in the honour of the occasion. Flag hoisting is done as a part of the Independence Day celebration throughout the country.
Speeches/ Debates/ Quiz: Speeches are delivered as a part of Independence Day celebration in schools, colleges and other places. Debate and quiz competitions are also held in educational institutes. Essay writing and painting competitions are also organized to celebrate this day.
Fancy Dress Competitions: Fancy dress competitions are held in schools and residential societies. Small kids are seen dressed up as freedom fighters.
Kite Flying Competition: Kite flying competitions are also held on this day. Numerous colourful kits are seen flying in the sky. This is seen as a mark of freedom.
Sweet Distribution: Sweets are distributed after flag hoisting.
Significance of Independence Day

Independence Day holds special significance for every Indian. It is a day that reminds them of the struggle and sacrifices of the freedom fighters. It inspires the youth of the nation to stand for the honour of the country. It fills the hearts of the people with patriotism and they are motivated to work for the good of their country. The spirit of patriotism is seen across the country particularly on this special day.

Conclusion

Independence Day is celebrated with immense zeal all across our country. People of all ages come forward to celebrate this day. Songs are sung in praise of the freedom fighters as well as our motherland. People are seen dressed up in tri-colour. The sky seems full of kites and there is joy all around