MAIN Holidays & Observances India Independence Day

The world learned the power of nonviolent protest as Gandhi lead the diverse peoples of India in a struggle for home rule.

The state of India formally gained independence on August 15, 1947 after centuries of British rule - and years of turmoil. Today, the date is marked with somber speeches, colorful parades, and celebrations....in far-flung communities from New Delhi to New York City.

Around the Web, join the celebrations and learn about the events leading up to the historic moment, and the words of inspiration that the heroes of the movement used to move their people closer to independence.

Explore both traditional and modern customs that surround the holiday in India, as well as in areas throughout the world where India's emigres have made their homes.

You'll find Independence Day ecard greetings to send to family and friends, favorite recipes for sweets, special holiday dishes and kid-friendly resources to help commemorate this historic day ....

“Long years ago, we made a tryst with destiny and now the time comes when we shall redeem our pledge... At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India
will awake to life and freedom.”

Jawaharlal Nehru on the eve of independence

More about India Independence Day around the Web:

India's Freedom Struggle: Online Exhibition at Kamat's Potpourri - A complete resource including historical narrative, battles, notable quotes, biographies of Gandhi, Nehru and more figures in the struggle, key events, related links, and don't miss the multimedia Mahatma Gandhi Album.

Gandhi - An entire site devoted to the man and his mission, with a biography, photos, feature articles, FAQ's and myths, quotations, poems, student projects and more.

IndiaPost.com - The online newspaper with reports on upcoming India Independence Day celebrations in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and elsewhere in the USA.

A Wall of Movies - August 14-15 1947 - A selection of newsreel footage, movie and audio files from the days of independence. Ghandi, Nehru and others can be seen and heard in these classic clips. Includes footage of the Sikh community meeting in Lahore in 1930 in support of Ghandi and later fleeing the riots in Pakistan in 1947.

Indian Independence Day - Kid-friendly resources from indiachild.com and featuring complete lyrics of India's national song, Vande Mataram, flag facts, and a brief history of the freedom struggle.

India's Independence Day E-Card - A choice collection of e-cards with images of the Indian flag together with patriotic sentiments to send to friends and family.

also see -> Diwali | Janmashtami | Makar Sankranti

Holi | Rakhi | World Friendship Day


Related Pages -> India Tourist Attractions | Wines of India