The 15th of August has its own importance for us Indians. It was on this day in 1947 that India became independent. We won freedom after a hard struggle. On this day our first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, unfurled the National Flag at the Red Fort for the first time All the people irrespective of their caste, colour and creed celebrate the day every year amidst great rejoicing. It is a public holiday. On this day we take a pledge to defend our freedom with all our might.
The Independence Day is celebrated all over the country with great joy. It is debatable whether the joy is deep-rooted or it is just a customary practice. How many people feel in the country that their lot has improved. People hold meetings, fly the tricolour and sing the National Anthem. It is not only in India but Indians all over the world celebrate it.
In Delhi, the capital of India, the day is celebrated with great pomp and show. People gather in large numbers in the Parade Ground in front of the Red Fort. There is a great hustle and bustle everywhere. They line up all routes leading to the fort and eagerly wait for the arrival of the Prime Minister.
The foreign ambassadors and dignitaries also participate in the celebrations. The Prime Minister unfurls the National Flag. A guard of honour is given by the local police and the army. A salute of 31 guns is fired. The military band plays the National Anthem. The Prime Minister greets the ambassadors seated at the parapet and delivers a speech. Homage is paid to those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the country. After the Prime Minister's speech the function comes to an end with the recital of Jana Gana Mana and the crowd begins to melt away.
The Independence Day reminds us of those patriots who fought and suffered to win freedom for us.
