Independence Day
Independence Day is celebrated throughout India on 15th August every year. In 1947, India was declared free from the British rule on this day. It is a national holiday and declared by the Government of India. Every Indian celebrates the festival with equal respect and excitement regardless of caste, creed and religion. On this day, people remember all those martyrs who brought freedom for our country after a long struggle and series of sacrifices.
History of Independence Day
After the World War II, Britain found it difficult to hold its power over India. At the same time, the struggle of freedom fighters was increasing day by day. At this point, Britishers decided to relieve India in June 1948. However, communal violence between Hindus and Muslims in the provinces of Punjab and Bengal aggravated badly and it was impossible for the viceroy Lord Mountbatten to control it and he advanced the transfer of power from June 1948 to August 1947. Thus, India gained its independence on August 15, 1947. In the midnight of August 15, 1947, Pandit Jawaharlal Lal Nehru sworn in as the first Prime Minister of an independent and free country.
Celebrations
The day is dedicated to all the freedom fighters of India. The celebrations are made to commemorate the historical day, when we got our political freedom. August 15 is a national holiday and that is why schools & colleges organise functions or patriotic programmes a day before. Not only educational institutes but offices and business areas also celebrate the day by hoisting National Flag on the roof top. This year, we will celebrate our 67th Independence Day. On this day, our Prime Minister unfurls the National Flag on the ramparts of historical building of Red Fort. National Anthem is sung and later, he addresses the Nation on country’s achievements and current issues of the year.
Apart from schools, colleges and organisations, small colonies and residence welfare associations celebrate the day in their own way. Kite-flying has become a tradition on this day. People fly kites of different colours and shapes, symbolising freedom. Big competitions of kite-flying are also organised and people enjoy it a lot.
Patriotic films, programmes and musical shows are broadcasted on television. The entire nation is coloured with the colour of patriotism.
You can also celebrate Independence Day with your children by using the following tips:
· Tell your children about the historical significance of the day. Read some books about history and the meaning of Independence Day to them.
· Teach your children the lyrics and tunes of National Anthem and famous patriotic songs.
· Tell them about the design and colours of our tri-coloured National Flag.
· Ask them to make Independence Day cards for their teachers and elders.
· Decorate your house and colony with tri-coloured flags and balloons with your children.
· Help them to make some paper flags and distribute these in the society or make small paper flag badges to pin up on the shirts.
· Distribute sweets to people with your children to make them understand that this event is equally important as other religious festivals.
· Inspire them to organise a stall in the colony or society with their friends, where they can distribute Independence Day special items, such as flags, badges, tri-coloured kites etc.
· Arrange Flag hoisting ceremony in your colony and inspire your children to participate in some patriotic programmes with their friends, to arouse patriotism in others too.
· Organise a fancy dress show for the children, where they can come up dressed like any freedom fighter or a famous leader. Distribute prizes to the winners to encourage them.
· Watch patriotic movies with your children to further instil in them the feeling of patriotism.
· Arrange a picnic for your children with their friends.
· Visit national historical buildings and museums with them.
· Arrange drawing competitions and kite flying competitions for them.
Let your children know the importance of this day and teach them to be thankful for this day. Encourage them to follow the path and philosophies of the great Indian leaders and be called a true Indian.
