15th of August - Independence day of India

15^th August, the Independence Day of India is a national holiday commemorating India's independence from the rule of British and its re-birth as a self-governing nation in the mid-night of 15^th August 1947. India got the independence following the movement of Indian independence noted for largely peaceful non-violent resistance (Ahimsa) and civil disobedience led by the Indian National Congress. The independence coincided with the partition of India wherein the British Indian realm was divided along religious lines into two new nations; as Republic of India (previously Dominion of India) and Islamic Republic of Pakistan (previously Dominion of Pakistan); this partition of India – Pakistan was incapacitated with violent communal riots.

The Independence Day (Aug 15^th every year) is a national holiday in India. The flagship event takes place in Delhi where the Prime Minister hoists the national flag at the Red Fort, followed by a nationally broadcast speech from its ramparts. The day is observed all over India with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades and cultural events. Citizens rejoice the day by displaying the national flag on their attire, household accessories, vehicles; varied activities such as kite flying, bonding with family and friends, and enjoying patriotic songs and films are seen.

Security concerns over militant attacks and sporadic calls for boycotting the celebration by separatist outfits occasionally limit the celebration in some places. Some organisations have carried out terrorist attacks on and around 15 August, and others have declared bandh and used black flags to boycott the celebration. Several books and films feature the independence and partition as pivotal events in their narrative.