Independence Day is India’s important date with history. This day is remembered as the day of the country’s liberation from the foreign forces that had enslaved for almost four hundred years. Though the country had to wait till the year 1961 for complete liberation 15^th August 1947 is still the India’s tryst with destiny.

Though many foreign forces incarcerated the country for almost centuries it was the British who were vehemently successful in transitioning the change of power from the erstwhile East Indian Company to the British Crown in 1857. Almost a century before independence. This was the actual start of British governance in India. Though the new breed of Indians at the time was a power and force to reckon with however it was disunity that acted as a stumbling block in the efforts of independence. The Britishers thrived on this principle of Divide and Rule that aimed at causing hate and confusion. They believed in ruling a divided faction and than united lot. Though a new political alliance poised the dawn of political awareness in the country the so called divide still acted as determinant to the efforts and there was lack of vitality that stunted the efforts of individuals. Even the Congress that was the first political faction that stood for the country was both ideologically and erratically divided. It wasn’t till the time of Mahatma Gandhi that the Congress retained vitality and also a sense of direction that was listless for almost sixty years since the first war of independence. It was under him that the discontent and popular sentiment was materialized into movements like the Non Co-operation and Civil Disobedience Movement. It was also a time that people actually felt that independence was possible after almost years of disbelief and inaction. The 1920’s and 1930’s the mood of the nation was upbeat. Tragic incidents like the Jalianwala Baug Massacre and continued brutality that followed did not in any manner dent the spirits of the country but only inspired the surge forward. For the first time people did not cringe, complain and they made the Englishmen feel powerless. Gandhi with his keen foresight and understanding gave direction to the movement in the most effective and at the same time innovative. He sustained his efforts through various movements concluding with the 1942 Quit India movement.

The time following the World War was torrid and England was almost ready to retreat from the country. However there is a something very special of takeover of power. This is the only instance in history where both the ruler and the ruled parted in friendship. It never happened in the case of the Portuguese, the French or even the Dutch. This was the first time in history when both the ruler and the ruled build a relationship with each other the stands to the given day. A firm relationship that continues to this very day.

Independence Day Celebration

Independence Day celebration is one of the three national holidays of the country. The other days of national prominence being Republic Day (26^th January) and Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi (02^nd October). On the eve of Independence Day the president of India delivers the address to the nation. On the 15^th of August, 1947 the prime minister hoists the national flag on the ramparts of the historical Red Fort. Two one gun shots are fired in honor of the celebration. In his speech the Prime Minster of the nation highlights the achievements of the country and raises important issues and calls for further development. Tributes are also made for those freedom fighters. This is a day to pay tribute not only to the architects of the freedom struggle but also to those many Indians, unnamed in history who offered the life for the service of the country. The speech is followed by a parade of the various divisions of the armed forces. Parades and pageants also showcase scenes of India’s freedom struggle. Similar events also take place in various state headquarters. Flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural ceremonies are conducted in governmental and no governmental institution. Schools and Colleges also have flag hoisting ceremonies. National flags of different dimensions are usually abundant to symbolize the allegiance of citizens towards to the country. Independence Day is celebrated not only in India but also by non residents Indian across the world.

Independence Day is also prone to various security threats. In anticipation of attack and to ward off any toward incident security measures are intensified. Security is specially intensified in metropolitan cities and also in Jammu & Kashmir. The area around Red Fort is declared as “No Fly zone” in order to prevent attacks and the additional security forces are deployed in all cities.

Independence Day Culture

The best memory that individuals have of Independence Day culture is the playing of patriotic songs in Hindi and other regional languages that are constantly played on radio and television. Over the years there has been a decrease in number of patriotic films broadcast on television as people are oversaturated with such films. For Generation Next celebrations center more on national and popular culture. This is exemplified by designer outfits, savories that also dyed with tri color and various facets that represent India’s cultural tradition.