India Independence Day

15 August 2020

Traditional

Red Fort, Delhi

28°C / Drizzle

Observed as a national holiday, Independence Day in India is celebrated with undaunting pride and carries a sense of glory since it was on this day, that is August 15, in the year 1947, when India was officially declared free from the 200-years-old tyranny of British rule. This day reminds us of the sacrifices of many gallant freedom fighters who laid down their lives in making India, independent. This day is also marked as the anniversary date of our subcontinent’s partition into India and Pakistan.

While this event is responsible for evoking different hues of patriotism in us every year, sadly, the same might not happen this year as the entire country fights the pandemic, COVID-19, with one accord. However, an official announcement regarding its status is yet to be made.

History of India’s Independence Day

With the arrival of the East India Company in the 16th Century, India’s colonisation began. They entered the subcontinent with the intention of trade, however, they didn't restrict to that as they began to overpower India with their adroitness and massive military strength. By 1757, they suppressed and subdued innumerable smaller kingdoms and gained a hold over many parts of the Indian states.

The tyranny of the East India Company created resentment among the Indians that led to a rebellious attitude. Known as the Sepoy Mutiny, the first revolt by Indians started in 1857 in Meerut. After witnessing the revolt, British Crown took over the charge of India in 1858, contemplating that direct control would make their hold stronger. However, the citizens of the nation were prepared to fight tooth and nail for their rights.

Many mutinies happened in between and India lost many lives. Social reformers and leaders such as Mahatama Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Lala Lajpat Rai, Sarojini Naidu and many more took part in this struggle of independence. Today, India basks in the glory of freedom only because of the sacrifices made by these patriotic leaders and some unsung heroes.

Major Attractions of Independence Day

1. Flag Hoisting Ceremony. The day begins with Prime Minister hoisting the Indian Flag (Tiranga) at the historical Red Fort which can be witnessed on TV and the internet throughout the country. 21 gunshots are fired in the sky honouring this significant occasion of our country. In the course of his speech, the Indian Prime Minister outlines his governance objectives and also calls attention to the achievements. The ceremony is concluded with National Anthem as the very air of the whole of India resonates with Jana Gana Mana.

2. Marching Ceremony. After the culmination of Prime Minister’s speech, follows the march past of Indian Armed Forces along with the paramilitary forces. There are also parades that showcase many scenes from the independence struggle as well as depicting our diverse culture.

3. Independence Day Celebrations in the Country. Various flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programmes are organized in government and non-government institutions in different parts of the country. Students take part in cultural events, debates, drills and competitions that are organised by schools and colleges. The significant government offices and monuments such as India Gate are charmed with strings of tricolour lights. People can be seen riding on bikes carrying the Indian flags with pride. The locals are seen flaunting tri-colour wrist bands, bangles, attires to pay tribute to this special day.

4. Celebrations Across Indian Boundaries. Indians living outside the country also celebrate this day with great enthusiasm. In some prominent locations around the world like New York, the occasion of August 15 is celebrated as India Day.

5. Kite Flying. How can anyone not fly kites during this historic occasion? It won’t be wrong to say that Independence Day might have become synonymous with Kite flying. On this day, one can see hundreds of colourful kites of different shapes and sizes, flying in the bright and clear sky depicting freedom and prosperity. People also hold kite-flying competitions. August 15 is a special day in India when citizens are seen swaying in the patriotic spirit.

How to Reach

Delhi, being the capital city is a cultural hub of India flowing with a brilliant mix of traditions, rituals, and so much more. And amid all this, the celebrations of our Independence Day are commemorated with a great sense of patriotism at the Red Fort. To reach here, you will need to cover a total distance of about 1,415, 2,054, 992 km from metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Check out the following details on how you can easily travel to Delhi via the following means of public transportation.

By Air. If you plan on travelling to Delhi by air, then deboard at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). The primary airport serves all the major and minor cities of India with great flight connectivity.

Several renowned air carriers operate to and fro this airport transporting millions of passengers on an annual basis. Due to this, it is also considered to be the busiest airport in India.

One of the highlighting features of the airport is that it also supports three parallel runways which have CAT IIIB instrument landing system that uses the radio waves guiding planes to the runway. From the airport, you will need to cover (approx) 20 km distance via cab, auto or any other locally available means of transportation to reach Red Fort.

From Guwahati - Board IndiGo, Spicejet, Vistara flights from Guwahati Airport. The airfares start from INR 4,000 - INR 5,000
From Bhopal - Board IndiGo flights from Bhopal Airport. The airfares start from INR 3,000 - INR 4,000
From Bhubaneswar - Board Air India, IndiGo flights from Bhubaneswar Airport. The airfares start from INR 4,000 - INR 5,000
From Amritsar - Board Vistara, IndiGo, Air India flights from Amritsar Airport. The airfares start from INR 4,000 - INR 5,000

By Train. If planning on to visit Delhi via trains then, you can consider deboarding at New Delhi Railway Station, Old/ New Delhi Railway Station, or Anand Vihar Terminus. All of these stations are considered to be the major railheads of the capital and are located within 15 km distance of the Red Fort. Thus, it won’t be a problem at all to reach here by public transport as you deboard here.

Pune - Board Sampark Kranti from Pune Junction and deboard at H.Nizamuddin Station
Chandigarh - Board Jan Shatabadi SPL from Chandigarh Junction and deboard at New Delhi Station
Amritsar - Board Shaheed EXP SPL from Amritsar Junction and deboard at New Delhi Station

By Road. Delhi is well connected via roadways and well-maintained highways to other Indian cities and towns. You can reach here by taking buses which are readily available from nearby regions. However, if you don’t like to travel on buses then, consider booking online taxis or even drive via your own vehicle.