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August 15, the Independence Day of India, is
celebrated with great gusto. It is also a
national holiday, with educational
institutions, private and government
organizations remaining closed, but opened
for official celebrations in the morning. It
is a time to contemplate what we have
achieved by freedom and how we achieved it.
Though India had no dearth of religious and
community festivals, there was, until
Independence, no true national festival that
the whole country could partake of.
Independence Day, beginning as a day to
commemorate the greatest moment in Indian
history, has now come to signify a feeling
of nationalism, solidarity and celebration.
Read all about the celebrations of the
Independence Day of India, in the following
lines. Independence Day
Celebrations in India
Schools and colleges mark the
celebrations of Independence Day with
cultural activities, drills, flag hoisting
and distribution of sweets. A number of
Government as well as private organizations
celebrate it in the similar manner, although
most of them remain closed for the entire
day. Families and friends get together for
lunch or dinner, or go for an outing.
Housing colonies, cultural centers, clubs
and societies hold entertainment programs
and competitions, usually based on the
freedom theme.
The Prime Minister of India sets the mood
for Independence Day, by hoisting the
national flag and addressing the nation from
the Red Fort, the historical monument in
Delhi, in the morning of the day. This is
followed by a march-past of the armed and
police forces. The Prime Minister's address
and the march-past following it are relayed
live on national television of India -
Doordarshan. Similar ceremonies are held in
all the state capitals as well. Many schools
organize march-past and call upon prominent
politicians of their respective
constituencies, to witness the event.
In the Indian cities, one could see a
sudden burst of saffron, green and white
colors, which represent the Indian
tri-color. The media, especially private
radio channels, go to town with a variety of
contests, promotions and programs related to
Indian independence. Television channels
show patriotic movies and relentlessly play
patriotic songs from old and new movies.
Billboards on roadsides for different brands
pay their tribute to the nation. The sky
wears a bright spectrum of colors, when
beautiful kites of various shapes, sizes and
color are flown in the evening of
Independence Day.
Everyone seems to have something going
for him or her. Shops sell a range of
Independence Day merchandise such as flags,
stickers, tee-shirts and greeting cards.
People hawk paper and plastic flags and
tri-colored balloons to motorists at traffic
signals. Although the day is an amalgamation
of the trifle of commercialization and
jingoism, what lies beneath all the colorful
celebrations is the national spirit of
gaiety, pride and hope for a better future.
A spirit and hope that is renewed every year
by Indians, on August 15. |
