Before we delve into the nitty-gritty, let's start with the history about. One mustn't confuse Independence Day with Republic Day. One did lead to creating the other though. Independence day is, as it sounds, the day India became free from British rule. This officially occurred on August 15, 1947, when the British left India to be ruled freely. This also leads to the partition between India and Pakistan which were riots that occurred when India rejected Muslims and Pakistan rejected Hindus.

Now that India was a free country it needed to be recognized as a sovereign and republic nation in the world. So, the constitution was created and came into effect on the 26th of January 1950, three years after independence. Well now that we are done with the basics let us switch lanes and discuss how Independence Day is celebrated. The day starts with the unfurling of the tricolor flag at the Red Fort, where the main celebrations take place. This is followed by a televised speech by the Prime Minister from the Red Fort where the country's achievements and progress are celebrated.

The Prime Minister also pays tribute to the freedom fighters by declaring this day as a holiday. Schools in the nation have parades and flag ceremonies to celebrate the day. Households will decorate the house, cars and their communities with the three colors orange, white and green. Kite flying is one of the main events that take place during the day. I too flew a kite but failed miserably as there was no wind. Nevertheless, we did wear our tricolor proudly and attached a mid-sized flag to our car. When I wished my cousins "Happy Independence Day", I asked them how they were celebrating it; any kite flying, special event, or listening to the speech? I questioned. No, it was a school holiday for us, so we woke up late, did some kite flying, and then went out for dinner. This is a typical answer one would hear from relatives, and I was no different either.

Living in India, I, too, regarded the day as a sleep-in and relaxation day. It is advantageous to make full use of this holiday by relaxing from one's schedule but it is crucial to appreciate the sacrifices the freedom fighters made 71 years ago for an independent nation. Indians listing just a few, Gandhi, Nehru, Bhagat Singh, and Subhash Chandra Bose and countless others who sacrificed their lives for their country and freedom for the future generations of India. They did all this without a complaint in hopes that this would lead to the freedom of their nation.

On a Final Note

Celebrate this day as you would celebrate Mother's or Father's day. One appreciates their parent and thanks to them for all that they have done for you. Similarly, silently thank the men and women who gave up their lives for our freedom. Regardless, if you have a holiday or a school or workday try kite flying, flag hoisting, and celebrating with the people around you, even people of other ethnicities or simply dress up in the tricolor. Small celebrations like these show that regardless of which part of the world we are in, we are proud to be Indians.