Independence Day, August 15, commemorates the day in 1947 when India achieved freedom from more than 200 years of British rule. India had no dearth of religious and community festivals. But there was till Independence no true national festival that the whole country could participate. 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.

Independence Day remained the sole national festival till India declared itself a republic in 1950. On January 26, 1950, Republic Day became the second Indian national holiday.

It is an occasion to rejoice and to pay collective homage to all those people who sacrificed their lives to the cause. It also marks the coming together of more than 400 princely states into one nation - India.

The Independence Day is celebrated in a mood of abandon and joy - no rituals, just festivities. It is also a national holiday. Schools and colleges mark the day with cultural activities, drills, flag hoisting and distribution of sweets. Government as well as private organisations celebrate it similarly.

The Prime Minister sets the mood of celebration by hoisting the national flag and addressing the nation from the Red Fort, the historical monument in Delhi. This is accompanied by a march-past of the armed and police forces. Similar ceremonies are held throughout the country.