Independence Day is a national public holiday on 15 August to celebrate the day in 1947 when India became independent from British rule.

European traders had been settled in India since the 17th Century. In the 18th Century the East India Company, a British company trade items like cotton, silk, tea and salt, won lots of areas of India and soon claimed it as its own.

After World War II, it became clear that Britain could not long hold its power in India. Radically, the Decision to independence was to be in June 1948, but aggressive activities between religions caused up to 1-million deaths. Lord Mountbatten, the British Governor General of India, was forced to bring the date forth to 1947.

British India became two dominions: on 14 August 1947, Pakistan became a country, and 15 August 1947, India became a country and held its 1st Independence Day celebration in 1948.

Today on the day before the festivities the Prime Minister addresses the nation. Then, on the 15th in Delhi, he hoists the Indian flag on the Red Fort. During the ceremonial, a 21-gun salute is fired, speeches are made and the Indian national anthem, ‘Jana Gana Mana’, is sung. It is an exclusive day where tribute is made to those who gave their lives to fight for freedom from the British.

In the weeks leading up to 15 August, and specially on the day, the national flag in raises on every flag pole on schools, buildings, offices, and town centers. Children and adults everywhere carry or wear the flag of India and every creed, cast and religion across our country celebrate Independence Day on this national holiday. In India, the day of 15 August is a proudly patriotic day of celebrations, feasts, kite flying, parades and festivities.