Indian Independence Day is a nationally celebrated event that is conducted on 15th of August every year throughout the nation. It commemorates the day in 1947 when India achieved independence from the rule of British Empire in India. Indian Independence Day has been declared as a national holiday in the country and is one of great significance, as it marks the birth of a self-governing nation in the year 1947. It was on 15th of August in 1947 that Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the Indian flag at the Red Fort in Delhi and read the famous freedom speech at the stroke of midnight. The Independence of the nation came after the country bore the yoke of British rule for 300 years and the day is celebrated with a lot of pomp and fanfare across the entire nation.

On the Indian Independence Day, the tri-coloured national flag is hoisted all over the country which is conducted by the local administration. The existing Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi and gives a speech which is broadcasted on National Television.

Struggle for Indian Independence
The struggle for Independence spans almost 3 centuries of the country`s history. The British, who had initially come to India as traders and businessmen, gradually started taking part in administration and colonising various territories and regions till the entire country came under their rule. There were a number of sporadic uprisings and protests which were carried out against the British rule but it was not until the First War of Independence in 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny that any kind of a concrete threat was posed on the British Empire. This was followed by the persistent and tireless efforts of renowned Indian leaders and freedom fighters such as Subhas Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Ganghadar Tilak, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai, Jawaharlal Nehru and many more that the British were finally removed from India and they handed back the reigns of administration to Indian leaders.

Celebrations of Indian Independence
The celebrations of Independence are carried out with a lot of festivity and enthusiasm across the length and breadth of the country. All Government organisations, educational institutions and private companies remain closed as 15th August is a National holiday. Flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programmes held in the state capitals are the most important part of the celebration on this day. A major highlight of the day is the Prime Minister"s speech delivered in Red Fort at Delhi.

The Prime Minister of India, in his speech, highlights the various achievements of the Government in the year gone by and also brings to attention important national issues and calls for the future development of the nation. He also pays a tribute to the various leaders of the Indian Freedom Struggle. In the national capital New Delhi most of the Government Offices are lit up. All over the country nation flags are distributed among citizens, which they proudly wear in a spirit of patriotism. Schools and colleges all over the country mark the day with cultural activities, drills, parades, flag hoisting and distribution of sweets. Buildings of national importance are illuminated on this day. One of the colourful traditions of the Independence Day celebrations is that of kite flying and several kite flying competitions are held in many parts of the nation.

Each year, Indian Independence Day on August 15 gives the civilians of the country a reason to celebrate all the efforts and sacrifices of the freedom fighters and prominent leaders of the country.