Independence Day, August 15, commemorates the day in 1947 when India achieved freedom from British rule. The day is celebrated to commemorate the birth of the world`s biggest democracy as a national festival. At the stroke of midnight, as India moved into August 15, 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru, India`s first Prime Minister, read out the famous speech proclaiming India`s independence. The moment ended the 300 years rule of the British. Independence Day was the only festival that marked the beginning to commemorate the greatest moment in Indian history and now come to signify a feeling of nationalism, solidarity and celebration. Independence Day remained the sole national festival till India declared itself a republic in 1950. On January 26, 1950, Republic Day became the second Indian national festival.

Independence day is celebrated with flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programs in the state capitals. The Prime Minister`s speech at the Red Fort in Delhi is the major highlight of this day. All Government Organizations have a holiday, as 15th August is a National holiday. In the capital New Delhi most of the Government Offices are lit up. In all the cities around the country, eminent people do the Flag Hoisting. It is celebrated in a mood of abandon and joy - no rituals, just festivities. It is also a national holiday so educational institutions, private and government organizations remaining closed, after the official celebrations in the morning is over. Schools and colleges mark the day with cultural activities, drills, flag hoisting and distribution of sweets. Government as well as private organizations celebrates it.

There is also a tradition of flying kites on the Independence Day. The sky is dotted with hundreds of colourful kites and people engage in kite-flying competitions. Kites painted with the three colours of the national flag are a hot favourite. Balconies and roof-tops of houses are full of people flying kites and one can hear cheerful shouts of children in the evening as the kites soar in the sky. In cities, one sees a sudden burst of saffron, green and white, the Indian tri-colour. The media goes to town with a variety of contests, promotions and programmes related to Indian independence. Television channels show patriotic movies and relentlessly play patriotic songs from old and new Hindi movies. Billboards on roadsides for different brands pay their tribute to the nation.

Each year, August 15 gives us the reason to celebrate all this, and do much more - it is a time to contemplate what we have and how we achieved it.