In India, every year, the 15th of August is celebrated as Independence day. This year’s Independence Day marks the 76th anniversary of India’s independence from British rule. The particular event is also called Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and the government of India has decided to organize many kinds of events, and programs and give tribute to the freedom fighters. These programs will also honor the history of India, its culture, and the achievements of its people.

History of Independence Day

It is a well-known fact that the Britishers ruled over India for almost two centuries. Somewhere around the 1600s, the Britishers came to India as traders and set up their trading company known as the East India Company in Surat, Gujarat. Slowly and gradually, they became greedy, and cruel and wanted to rule over India mercilessly. In the span of 200 years, many wars, and rebellions were waged against the Britishers.

Many freedom fighters such as Bhagat Singh, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Khudiram Bose, Chandrashekhar Azad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Gandhiji, etc. had a huge impact on the plan of the Britishers to dominate India. During the 1940s, the revolt of Indians became quite violent and aggressive towards the Britishers and they had no option but to leave India by 1947.

Why 15th August was chosen?

Lord Mountbatten had given an ultimatum that British rule in India would end by 30th June 1948. However, if India had waited till 1948, the power would not have been transferred as per Rajagopalachari Formula. So, Mountbatten preponed the date of transfer of power to August 1947. Mountbatten was of the view that preponing the date may cause fewer riots and bloodshed.

However, he was wrong in his assumption. Indian independence Bill was introduced in the house of commons in Britain on 6th July 1947 and it was passed overnight. The bill provided that the British rule in India would end on August 15, 1947, and it would lead to the establishment of two dominions i.e. India and Pakistan.

What makes this year’s Independence Day special?

Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav

It is an initiative by the government of India to mark the 75 years of independence and to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of its people. It is a tribute to all those people who have helped India to realize its potential and further strengthen the vision of India 2.0 which is the Atmnirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). Officially, Aazaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav started on 12th March 2021 and shall end on 15th August 2023.

Har Ghar Tiranga

This campaign under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav has been initiated to encourage people to bring India’s national flag home and hoist it to commemorate the 75 years of India’s independence. Such initiative promotes a sense of collectiveness and brotherhood and it strengthens the commitment of people toward nation-building. It also enhances the feeling of patriotism among the people and develops awareness about the national flag.

Mega celebrations in Uttar Pradesh

The chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath has decided to keep numerous events along with the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign to commemorate the 75 years of India’s independence. The Padma awardees from Uttar Pradesh will be invited to the ceremony and many cultural programs have also been planned to display the traditional, social and geographical diversity of the state. Many buses will also be named after the freedom fighters of India.

Free entry to ASI Monuments

This initiative is also part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav campaign. The government has decided to open to the public all monuments guarded by the Archaeological Survey of India for free from August 5 till August 15. It has been done so that people can go and witness the rich history of India. It will also enhance the knowledge of people about their ancestors and the glory of India’s past.

Launch of AzadiSAT

Indian Space Research Organisation, ISRO shall launch 75 payloads that have been designed and constructed by 750 girls students from India. The launch shall take place on August 7 and these payloads will travel with the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, SSLV.

Best places to visit to celebrate India’s Independence Day

Kargil

The War Memorial in Kargil is one of the best places to visit to celebrate Independence Day of India. This particular Memorial was built by the Indian Army to honor the martyrs of the Kargil war that took place in 1999. On this Memorial, the names of all the martyrs have been written and a visit to this place enhances the feeling of patriotism in people. One can take a flight to Leh, Ladakh, and reach Kargil via road using public transport or private buses.

Delhi

Independence Day in Delhi is celebrated with great enthusiasm and this is the best place to visit around the 15th of August. Some of the best places to explore here around this time include the Red Fort, Raj Ghat, India Gate, etc. The Prime Minister of India delivers a speech from the Red Fort on 15th August every year. At India Gate, the names of soldiers who fought in the First World War have been written. The newly constructed National War Memorial should also be explored.

Amritsar

This place is a perfect mixture of culture, tradition, and history. People from all over India come to Amritsar to explore Jallianwala Bagh and visit the Wagah border. At Jallianwala Bagh, one of the darkest events in the history of India took place where on 13 April 1919, many Indians were killed by the Britishers. This place has now been converted into a National Museum and it should be on your list of places to visit in Amritsar.

Wagah border that separates India and Pakistan, organizes the Beating Retreat Ceremony that is held every day. The events that are organized here invoke a sense of patriotism in people and enhance their respect for the mother country.

Jhansi

It is the same place that witnessed the first war of independence in 1957. Please is famous for Rani Lakshmibai who fought bravely against the Britishers and never give in to their demands. If you visit this place, then do explore Jhansi Fort which was one of the centers of war. Jhansi is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh the nearest airport is Gwalior airport and the nearest railway station is Jhansi Junction.

Andaman and Nicobar

People visit this place all year round for its beaches and water-related activities. However, this place is also known for the CellularJail (Kala Paani) that has been constructed in the middle of the ocean. It was used by the British government to imprison political leaders and freedom fighters. Today, this place exists as a national monument and it is a great place to go back in time.

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Frequently asked questions about India’s Independence Day