Last year at this time I mentioned that we have new residents across the circle from our house, and they are originally from India. So in the spirit of world harmony, I’d like to wish our neighbors a happy 76th, or maybe 77th, Independence Day today. Why is there some confusion as to India’s Independence Day? Well, let me explain…..
Independence Day (Swatantrata Diwas) is celebrated on August 15 and is declared a National Holiday in India.
On 15 August, 1947, India got its freedom, ending an almost 200-year British rule on the subcontinent. It’s a day of pride for all indians and it commemorates the sacrifices made by millions of freedom fighters, who sacrificed their lives in the freedom struggle and forced the British empire to finally retreat.
But every year, there is some confusion about which Independence Day is it? This year, India will cross a milestone of 76 years of freedom from British Rule. So — is India celebrating its 76th or 77th Independence Day in 2023?
On August 15, 1947, India earned its long-fought independence from British domination. This implies that India celebrated its first year of independence on August 15, 1948, 10 years later on August 15, 1957, twenty years later on August 15, 1967, and seventy years later in 2017. So this year marks the 76th anniversary of freedom.
But — counting the number of Independence Days celebrated in India since August 15, 1947, which would count as the first, the total will be 77. So by that reasoning, India will celebrate its 77th year of Independence in 2023. Both arguments are valid.
But whether you think it’s the 76th or 77th, the Prime Minister of India will hoist the national flag at Delhi’s historic old Red Fort monument and make an address to the nation — that will be followed by a military parade.
Last year I described the significance of the colors of India’s flag — you can check last year’s entry, if you’re interested. But I should mention that India’s national flag was adopted in its present form 23 days before India’s independence. The flag is made from khadi which is domestically spun Indian cotton as a symbol of nationalism and freedom.
Happy Independence Day to India.
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