The midnight of August 15, 1947 is memorable for every Indian on earth, as it is
the time, when India gained independence from the stranglehold of the mighty
British. The otherwise suppressed tri-colored flag of India was given its due
respect, when it was hoisted in the midnight on the Independence Day. Since
then, the red-letter day is celebrated with pomp and gaiety, across the length
and breadth of India. Cultural programs and flag-hoisting ceremonies are the
predominant affair of the day, while colorful kites fill the sky in the evening,
to symbolize freedom. People indulge themselves in remembering the heroes of the
freedom struggle and pay homage to them.
In all the schools and colleges across India, no academic work is done on
Independence Day, but all the students and staff members would be present in
their respective educational institutions, to celebrate the day. A sort of
social gathering is arranged in the educations institutions, wherein cultural
programs are organized. Flag hoisting ceremony takes place within their
respective premises. As the flag is hoisted by the head of the institution
(mostly the principal), students sing national anthem and pay respect to their
flag and to uphold the sovereignty of the country.
Students and teachers celebrate the day at their respective educational
institutions, while others back home spend the day either by going for an outing
or watching special programs on television. Majority of the people tune in to
Doordarshan in the morning, to watch the live telecast of Prime Minister's
speech at the Red Fort in Delhi, as it is the major highlight of the
Independence Day of India. Prime Minister's speech and patriotic songs and
documentaries showing excerpts from the freedom struggle are aired on the
national channels, while the private television channels make it a point that
their viewers are amused all through the day. Hence, they telecast cultural
programs, movies related to independence, apart from the patriotic songs that
regenerate the hidden patriotism in people.
Shops across India are strictly directed to keep their shutters down on
Independence Day, while you can still spot the groceries and small stores
opening up late in the evening. All government offices remain closed on August
15. India Gate is the center of attraction and a nice place to hang out in the
evening of Independence Day, as the structure is attractively illuminated. The
sky in filled with kites of various shapes and colors. As a whole, it can be
said that Independence Day is a holiday much awaited by people in India, every
year.
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