Discover 10 exciting ways to celebrate Independence Day from flag hoisting ceremonies and watching movies to exploring historic monuments.
“At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom” — Jawaharlal Nehru.
On August 15th 2023, India will be celebrating its 77th Independence Day. It is a poignant occasion where we embrace our liberation from the clutches of British rule and honour the sacrifices of those who selflessly gave their lives for a cherished vision.
A Prelude to the Uniqueness of August 15th
At daybreak, one’s senses are graced with the mellifluous strains of patriotic songs resonating in every corner of the tapestry of existence. The air is filled with these uplifting tunes in your community, at the park near your home, and even at tea stalls.
The festivities start days earlier. On 14th August, you will see children dressed up as our freedom fighters — from Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh, from Rani Lakshmi Bai to Sarojini Naidu making their way to school to celebrate Independence Day. On 15th August, they dress up again, this time to participate in the neighbourhood ceremony. Their infectious enthusiasm creates an aura of excitement.
Our tricolour flag, a vibrant emblem of unity and pride, not only graces the rooftops but also adorns the handlebars of bicycles, bikes and the bonnets of cars as if the entire landscape joins a harmonious chorus of patriotism.
A tantalizing aroma drifts in the air, reminiscent of your cherished delicacies, invoking a wave of nostalgia and anticipation.
With every breath, you witness the arrival of Independence Day, a celebration that binds the past, present, and future in shades of heartfelt emotions.
Here are 10 ideas you can try out on 15th August:
Celebrate India’s Independence Day at the office with vibrant patriotic flair. Opt for a crisp white shirt paired with saffron and green accessories like ties, scarves, or pocket squares. Enhance the look with a subtle touch of blue through cufflinks or jewelry.
Women can go for the traditional salwar kameez or saris or pick a trendy white top with saffron scarf and blue jeans. This sophisticated ensemble pays homage to the national flag while maintaining professional elegance.
In India, several important monuments tell the stories of our glorious past, and some remind us of the horrors of the colonial regime. Some of the places worth visiting for a slice of history are:
• Gateway of India — Mumbai
• Sabarmati Ashram — Ahmedabad
• Lucknow Residency — Lucknow
• Cellular Jail National Memorial — Port Blair
• Netaji Bhawan — Kolkata
• Aga Khan Palace — Pune
• Red Fort — Delhi
• Jallianwala Bagh — Amritsar
Exploring these places helps us remember our history and understand the amazing struggle for freedom in India.
An important thing to do on Independence Day is to raise the flag. Include kids in flag-raising events at your neighbourhood, house, or school. Tell them why it’s special and how to do it properly.
You can also do creative stuff with your child, like making and raising your own flag at home. It’s a fun idea, isn’t it?
In North India, flying kites is a tradition on Independence Day. People wear traditional clothes and fly colourful kites all day from their rooftops while patriotic songs play on speakers. You and your family can join in and have a lot of fun with this activity.
For those residing in Delhi or its vicinity, an exceptional occasion presents itself to partake in the remarkable flag hoisting ceremony hosted at the venerable Red Fort. This solemn yet grandiose spectacle evokes a profound patriotic fervour, enveloping one’s heart and spirit.
Moreover, a thoughtfully planned trip to the Wagah Borders beckons, where gallant soldiers from both nations (India and Pakistan) engage in a choreography of martial prowess punctuated by formidable high kicks and intense gazes, is a great idea.
The culmination of these riveting rituals manifests in a synchronic unfurling of flags and a resonant beating retreat, encapsulating an awe-inspiring manifestation of national pride and devotion.
Watching a good patriotic movie is one of the best ways to spend Independence Day with your loved ones. Within the cinematic world, many captivating stories exist that highlight our nation’s ardent struggle for liberation or evoke a sense of patriotism amidst the youth. A few of my favourite picks include:
* The Legend of Bhagat Singh by Rajkumar Santoshi
* Bose: The Forgotten Hero by Shyam Benegal
* Sardar by Ketan Mehta
* Gandhi by Richard Attenborough
* Lagaan by Ashutosh Gowariker
* Swades by Ashutosh Gowariker
* Rang De Basanti by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
* Lakshya by Farhan Akhtar
* Mangal Pandey: The Rising by Ketan Mehta
* RRR by SS Rajamouli
* Shaheed (1965) by Ram Sharma
* Garm Hawa by MS Sathyu
Collect your neighbourhood children and have a storytelling session. Tell them them about the heroic sacrifices of our freedom fighters. Ask them to share what they understand about Independence Day.
You can start on these lines: “What do you know about Independence Day? Let’s share our thoughts and discoveries. Perhaps you’ve heard of the waving tricolor flag, or the joyous parades that fill the streets every year. But do you know about the significance of the 15th of August? It’s the day when India declared herself independent, a day of unity, hope, and the strength of togetherness.
“Do you know the tale of the little dynamo, Chandra Shekhar Azad? He ran through forests, chased by the colonial police, all while holding onto the dream of an India where every child could be free to dream and soar…”
Creating delicious and delightful food is a wonderful way to spend this special. You can have a lot of fun making treats in the colours of our flag – like sweets, snacks, or chutney – or even bake a cake that proudly displays the tricolour.
Sharing these delightful dishes with family and friends adds a special touch to the celebration and fills the air with unity and festivity.
Or you can use the holiday to try out a recipe of the season. For instance, ghevar, a traditional Rajasthani disc-shaped sweet dish is the flavour of the ‘sawan‘ season. Try out ghevar at home with this easy recipe.
Since it’s a day off, why not consider a quick and exciting getaway? You can embark on a mini adventure by trying out thrilling activities like bungee jumping or river rafting. You could explore the city, discover its hidden gems, or unwind and rejuvenate at a serene resort.
Whatever your choice, taking this opportunity for a little adventure or relaxation can make the day memorable and refreshing.
Every citizen of India must remember that… he is an Indian and he has every right in this country but with certain …duties — Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Indian Independence Day reminds us to bask in a profound sense of pride for our historical narrative, embrace our contemporary reality ardently, and forge an unwavering commitment towards building a better future that shall resonate harmoniously with the aspirations of posterity.
As the valiant footprints of our freedom fighters unfurled the banner of a liberated nation in consonance with their noble ideals, so must we aspire to erect the edifice of a nation exemplifying the exquisite symphony of unity and diversity for the generations yet to grace this vibrant land.
More Must Read in LnC
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A Tribute to My Motherland – India
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Dear Abhimanshu,
Amazing & detailed Article shared by you!!!
Your ideas about celebrating Independence Day were really helpful.
You explained things in a way that made it easy to understand, and I could picture everything in my mind because of your great descriptions.
You have really worked hard to put all of these pointers together.
I am really grateful for your article as It made me think about Independence Day in a new way and got me excited for the celebrations.
Thanks once again for sharing the wonderful article:))