Independence Day

India celebrates its 78th Independence Day this year. On August 15, 2024 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the national flag at the ramparts of the Red Fort in Delhi. It will be followed by his address to the nation.

India's Independence Day, celebrated on August 15th each year, marks the day in 1947 when the nation broke free from British colonial rule. This historic event was the culmination of nearly two centuries of resistance and struggle by millions of Indians who dreamed of a free and sovereign nation. The day is a tribute to the countless sacrifices made by freedom fighters, revolutionaries, and ordinary citizens who bravely stood up against the British Empire, enduring immense hardships for the sake of their country's freedom.

On August 15, 1947, India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi, symbolizing the birth of a new, independent nation. His iconic speech, "Tryst with Destiny," resonated with the aspirations and hopes of millions of Indians as he spoke of the long struggle and the promise of a bright future.

Independence Day is not just a day of remembrance; it is a celebration of India's unity in diversity, its rich cultural heritage, and its achievements as a nation. The day begins with the Prime Minister hoisting the national flag at the Red Fort, followed by a grand parade showcasing India's cultural diversity, military strength, and achievements in various fields. Across the country, citizens participate in flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural events, and community gatherings, expressing their patriotism and pride.

The day also serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with freedom. It inspires Indians to work towards the ideals of justice, equality, and fraternity enshrined in the Constitution. As India continues to grow and evolve on the global stage, Independence Day remains a powerful symbol of its enduring spirit and commitment to democracy, peace, and progress.

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INDEPENDENCE DAY NEWS

I-Day tableau to showcase knee surgery success in Punjab on a shaky footing

Independence Day tableau to showcase knee surgery success in Punjab on a shaky footing

August 18, 2026 6:34 am

Tableau leaves Mann govt red in the face as men identified as health scheme beneficiaries were retired employees.

‘Sit on the floor’ : Dalits allege they were forced off chairs at Rajasthan school I-Day function

‘Sit on the floor’: Dalits allege they were forced off chairs at Rajasthan school Independence Day function

August 18, 2026 5:54 am

The FIR was lodged following a complaint by Rameshwarlal Bairwa, 35, and Gopilal Bairwa, 37, who alleged that the incident occurred at an Independence Day function at the government school in their village, Bhakliya, on August 15.

What Independence Day means between the tricolour and the traffic lights

August 17, 2026 1:21 pm

India is neither a story of uninterrupted progress nor one of unbroken oppression. For millions, freedom has been — and continues to be — made, negotiated and fought for in the ordinary spaces of everyday life. That is perhaps the more complicated story of independent India

Military Digest | Remembering the Punjab Boundary Force and the shadow of Partition

August 16, 2026 1:34 pm

The Punjab Boundary Force was created in 1947 to curb communal violence along Punjab’s new border. Here is why the Force failed and was abolished.

When a cancelled I-Day speech becomes a lesson in the meaning of freedom

August 16, 2026 12:31 pm

Children may forget an Independence Day speech, but they will remember being told that one could not be delivered. That moment offers an opportunity to teach them that freedom requires curiosity, dialogue and the courage to encounter opposites

PM links young to Viksit Bharat — in that Bharat, celebrate the 'dimag'

August 17, 2026 2:07 pm

The PM is right when he says yuva shakti will fuel the journey to Viksit Bharat, but that calls for celebrating the power of thought and freedom from fear, so that questions are asked and there is an unafraid search for answers

‘Bharat can’t simply remain a market’: Modi calls for developing drones, hypersonic tech

August 16, 2026 10:13 am

Self-reliance in defence is essential, PM Modi said, urging India to develop next-generation technologies and emerge as a global defence supplier.

Attendees rush to safety after a portion of the false ceiling collapsed during a cultural event at Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports in Patiala on Saturday. (Express Photos By Harmeet Sodhi)

False ceiling falls at NIS Patiala during Independence Day celebrations

August 15, 2026 11:05 pm

Some of the students and players suffered minor injuries, with a video of the incident showing the portion of the false ceiling collapsing just as one of the students was set to perform on the stage.

narendra modi, independence day, red fort,

India’s youth will power our journey to Viksit Bharat 2047: PM Modi

August 16, 2026 6:44 am

Prime Minister Narendra Modi red-flags ‘dimagi Naxals’: reform push along seven streams, manufacturing to soft power; free online exam coaching, AI training for 1 crore, sport talent hunt for 2036 Games.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari

Suvendu Adhikari sets ‘Developed Bengal’ goal in his first Independence Day address

August 15, 2026 4:32 pm

On the auspicious occasion of the country’s Independence Day, the tune of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ resonated for the first time in the parade grounds of Kolkata’s Red Road.

INDEPENDENCE DAY PHOTOS

Full-dress rehearsal for 80th Independence Day celebrations

Independence Day 2026: Full-dress rehearsal ahead of celebrations

August 13, 2026 5:14 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15

In pictures: PM Modi leads 79th Independence Day celebrations, reaffirms commitment of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047

August 15, 2025 1:32 pm

PM Modi also spoke about Mission Sudarshan Chakra, aimed at increasing safety and developing a more powerful weapons system for the nation’s security.

In Photos: India gears up to celebrate its 79th Independence Day

August 14, 2025 5:34 pm

This year, India will mark its 79th Independence Day on Friday, August 15.

Independence Day 2024: In Red Fort address, PM Modi hails sacrifices of freedom fighters

August 15, 2024 2:50 pm

78th Independence day: PM Modi said a 'secular civil code' is the need of the hour for the country, as he described the existing set of laws as 'communal civil code'.

Independence Day 2023: Celebrations take place across the nation with great pomp and fervour

August 15, 2023 2:53 pm

August 15 marks India's Independence Day. This year the country is celebrating its 77th Independence Day. People across the nation are participating in various cultural events, flag-hoisting activities and parades to commemorate the glorious day. On this day in 1947, India gained freedom from the 200-year-old British rule. So, on this special occasion, let's take a look at how individuals are celebrating the national holiday.

Ahead of Independence Day, the country gears up for the occasion

August 14, 2023 11:36 am

Every year, Independence Day is celebrated on August 15 to recognise the efforts of our freedom fighters who valiantly fought against British rule. On this day, people across the nation hold cultural events, participate in parades and flag-hoisting activities. So, ahead of the special occasion, let's take a look at how the citizens of the country are gearing up for the celebrations.

India prepares for 77th Independence day celebrations

August 13, 2023 2:38 pm

Preparations are underway at across the country as India approaches its 77th Independence Day.

Pack your bags and take a trip to these wonderful destinations in India this Independence Day

August 10, 2023 2:15 pm

As Independence Day approaches, many Indians are awaiting a relaxing getaway to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Lucky for you, India boasts an array of destinations that are easily accessible from major cities. From gorgeous hill stations to seaside towns, August is an excellent month to travel to destinations bountiful with nature as monsoons bring out the best in terms of flora and fauna. So, here are some of the best places to visit this Independence Day.