72nd Independence Day: Know why 15 August was chosen as the big day?

The day is observed throughout India with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, and cultural events.

India celebrates Independence Day every year on 15 August to commemorate its victory against the British empire and pay homage to all the leaders who played a major role to bring this day to the nation. Independence Day is observed as a National holiday in all Indian states and union territories.

Freedom is a constant and relentless endeavour. Even decades after 1947, each one of us can contribute in the manner of a freedom fighter. We can do so if we expand the frontiers of freedom and of opportunity for our fellow Indians and our beloved India #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 14, 2018

Why was 15 August particularly chosen for this big historical event?

On 20 February 1947, British Prime Minister Clement Attlee announced that the British government would grant full self-governance to British India by June 1948 at the latest. The then Viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten was given a mandate by the British parliament to transfer the powers to India by June 1948 but he preponed the date to August 1947.

According to few facts, Lord Mountbatten chose the second anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II, 15 August, as the date of power transfer.

As mentioned in Freedom at Midnight book, Mountbatten quoted, "The date I chose came out of the blue. I chose it in reply to a question. I was determined to show I was master of the whole event. When they asked had we set a date, I knew it had to be soon. I hadn't worked it out exactly then — I thought it had to be about August or September and I then went out to the 15th August. Why? Because it was the second anniversary of Japan's surrender."

The UK Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act 1947 transferring legislative sovereignty to the Indian Constituent Assembly. The act created two new independent dominions; India and Pakistan. Lord Mountbatten continued as Governor-General and Jawaharlal Nehru was appointed India's first Prime Minister.

(Image Credit: Twitter)

How is the day celebrated?

The President of India delivers the "Address to the Nation" on the eve of the Independence Day. The Prime Minister, on 15 August, hoists the Indian flag on the ramparts of the historical site Red Fort in Delhi and pays homage to all the freedom fighters. Also, in state capitals, the Chief Ministers of individual states unfurl the national flag. The day is observed throughout India with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, and cultural events.

In the spirit of 72nd #IndependenceDayIndia, Railway Buildings across the nation have been illuminated in the Tricolour. pic.twitter.com/g5q9hjyfCS

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) August 14, 2018