Independence Day

The Independence Day of India is celebrated on the 15th of August every year. It was on 15th August 1947 that India was declared independent from British colonialism.  

Every year, the Independence Day is celebrated with grandeur, gaiety, fervour and enthusiasm.

Independence day celebrations 2023

The official journey of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav commenced on 12th March 2021 which started a 75-week countdown to our 75th anniversary of independence and will end post a year on 15th August 2023.

As we countdown to 15th August 2023, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav aims to further boost this peoples’ movement through collaborative campaigns and outreach across India and the world. Following campaigns are on the lines of nine critical themes aligned with the ‘Panch Pran’ announced by Hon’ble Prime Minister: Women and Children, Tribal Empowerment, Water, Cultural Pride, Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), Health and Wellness, Inclusive Development, Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Unity.

National level celebrations

The Independence Day Celebrations in Delhi shall consist of the following:-

• The Ceremony at Red Fort consisting of the presentation of a Guard of Honour by the Armed Forces and the Delhi Police to the Prime Minister (Pradhan Mantri), unfurling of the National Flag accompanied by playing of the National Anthem and firing of 21-gun salute, showering of flower petals by the helicopters of Indian Air Force, speech by the Prime Minister, singing of the National Anthem immediately after PM's speech, and release of tri-coloured balloons at the end.
• "At Home" reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan

Country-wide celebrations

The celebration of Independence Day Ceremony/hoisting of National Flag at State Capitals/ District Headquarters/ Sub-division/ Block / Gram Panchayat/ Villages etc. will commence in the morning after 09:00 a.m.

The Independence Day in States/UTs may be celebrated as under:-

• At State level : Unfurling of National Flag by the Chief Minister; playing of the National Anthem; presentation of Guard of Honour by the State Police/Para Military Forces/Home Guards/NCC/ Scouts; address to public by the Chief Minister followed by singing of National Anthem.
• District level : Unfurling of National Flag by Minister/Commissioner/District Magistrate; playing of National Anthem; parade by State Police personnel; Home Guards/NCC/Scouts followed by address to public by the Minister/ Commissioner/District Magistrate and singing of National Anthem.
• Sub-Divisional level/Block level : Unfurling of National Flag by Sub Divisional Magistrate/Sub Divisional Officer/ Block Development Officer as the case may be; playing of National Anthem followed by address to public by the Sub Divisional Magistrate/Sub Divisional Officer/ Block Development Officer and singing of National Anthem.
• Panchayat Headquarters/Villages : Unfurling of National Flag by the Sarpanch/Gram Pradhan; playing of National Anthem followed by address to public by the Sarpanch/Gram Pradhan and singing of National Anthem.

Swachh Bharat campaign in prominent location

• Identify most prominent location of each district in the State/UT and carry out a fortnight/month long campaign to keep it Swachh through voluntary civil action. School students, NSS, NCC, youth organizations and social groups may be associated with this effort.
• Plantation of Trees campaign be held by Government Departments and Educational Institutions to spread awareness for conservation of environment, thereby making a contribution to mitigate climate changes on Earth and preserve natural environment.

Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Programme

On the lines of Republic Day Ceremony 2023, some Food/cultural events etc. may be planned in the State Capital/UTS on the occasion of Independence Day Ceremony. The State/UT should invite participation from five other States/UTs for their Independence Day ceremony. These Guest States may send their contingent for food/cultural events etc. to promote engagement among people of different States and UTS so as to enhance mutual understanding and bonding between people of these States/UTs.

'At Home' function

• 'At Home' function at Governor/LG House may be commenced in the evening (after 05:00 p.m.). This function represents a diverse set of invitees apart from usual protocol based invitees, on this occasion, the following indicative categories of guests could be invited:-
  • Divyangjans
  • Achievers in different fields
  • People who made exemplary contribution to society, including during the time of Covid
  • Eco-warriors, people who performed exemplary for environmental conservation.
  • Swacchagrahi.
  • References from the State/UT in PM's Man ki Baat.
  • Padma awardees from the State/UT.
  • Noks of martyrs.
  • Participants/winners of Olympics and other important sports events of National/ International standards.
  • Exceptional educators.
  • Frontline health workers.
  • Children bravery awardees.
  • Women Sarpanches etc.
  • Student toppers
  • Best researchers/innovators.
• At least 25-50 invites may be reserved for such achievers. The names of such invitees should be announced in advance to enable the invitees to prepare for the occasion.
• The majority of the gathering could be under the category of special invitees under different categories. A system whereby the invitee list is generated afresh every year should be instituted, so that the opportunity is given to a broad set of people. It could be considered that a person gets an invite just once.
• Special attention may be paid to the band at Governor/LG House. It should play patriotic songs and not simply songs from movies. A system of competition among school bands should be instituted whereby the winners get to perform at the Governor House during 'At Home' reception.
• The invitation card for Governor/LG 'At Home' should be created in a way that these are treasured for life as souvenir by the invitees, marking it as a special occasion once in life.
• If some good innovation has been done by the State the same can be exhibited during the 'At Home' function.

Source : Independence Day celebrations - Instructions of Ministry of Home Affairs