India Marks 79th Independence Day with Celebrations in Nepal and Across the Nation
The 79th Independence Day of India was celebrated with pride and patriotic fervor both within the country and by Indian communities abroad, including in Nepal. The annual occasion, observed on August 15, commemorates the day in 1947 when India gained freedom from over two centuries of British colonial rule and embarked on its journey as a sovereign nation.
A Historic Struggle for Freedom
India’s path to independence was a long and arduous struggle marked by decades of political movements, mass protests, and the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters. British rule in India began in 1757 after the Battle of Plassey, when the British East India Company shifted from trade to territorial control. This lasted a century until the Indian Rebellion of 1857, after which the British Crown assumed direct governance, known as the British raj.
The Indian independence movement gained momentum through various milestones, including the Swadeshi Movement of 1905, protests against repressive laws like the Rowlatt Act, and responses to tragedies such as the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi spearheaded nationwide nonviolent campaigns, including the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–22), the Salt March (1930), and the Quit India Movement (1942–43). The culmination of these efforts came with the passage of the Indian Independence Act of July 18, 1947, which provided for the partition of British India into India and Pakistan, effective at midnight on August 14–15, 1947.
While independence marked the birth of a free nation, it also coincided with the traumatic partition, leading to mass displacement and communal violence. Despite these challenges, August 15 remains a symbol of hope, unity, and the resilience of the Indian people.
Traditions and Celebrations in India
Independence Day in India is marked by nationwide festivities. The President of India addresses the nation on the eve of the holiday, while the Prime Minister leads the main ceremony at the Red Fort in Delhi, raising the national flag and delivering a speech that reflects on the year’s achievements and outlines future goals. Across the country, schools, state capitals, and local communities hold flag-hoisting events, patriotic cultural programs, and parades. Kite flying has become a cherished tradition, with colorful kites filling the skies. Government buildings in New Delhi remain illuminated throughout the celebration.
Commemorations in Nepal
In Nepal, the Embassy of India in Kathmandu hosted a special ceremony on August 15, 2025, attended by members of the Indian community, friends of India, and Embassy officials. The event began with the hoisting of the national flag by the Ambassador of India to Nepal, followed by the broadcast of President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the nation.
During the ceremony, the Ambassador honored the widows and next of kin of deceased Indian Armed Forces personnel, presenting Army Group Insurance Fund (AGIF) cheques totaling Rs 64 million. The Embassy also announced a significant educational initiative — a book grant for 39 institutions and libraries across seven provinces and 21 districts of Nepal, aimed at improving access to learning resources in remote areas.
The program featured vibrant cultural performances of patriotic songs by students from the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center and Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kathmandu, adding a festive and emotional touch to the occasion.
A Day of Reflection and Unity
As India marked its 79th Independence Day, the celebrations in both India and Nepal underscored the enduring ties between the two nations. For Indians worldwide, August 15 is more than just a date on the calendar — it is a day to remember the sacrifices that paved the way for freedom, to celebrate national achievements, and to reaffirm the collective resolve to build a stronger, more inclusive future.
From the grandeur of the Red Fort to the heartfelt cultural performances in Kathmandu, this year’s Independence Day reaffirmed a shared spirit of pride, resilience, and unity that continues to inspire generations.
