Independence Day 2025: Is it 78th Or 79th Swatantrata Diwas? Everything you need to know
Are We Celebrating the 78th or 79th Independence Day in 2025?
As 15th August approaches, one question often puzzles people - is it the 78th or 79th Independence Day? This confusion arises because India will have completed 78 full years of freedom in 2025, and every year adds a new twist to the count.
The Maths Behind the Celebration Count
India became independent on 15th August 1947. The first anniversary was celebrated in 1948, the 10th in 1957, the 20th in 1967, and the 70th in 2017. Following that logic, 2025 marks the 78th anniversary of Independence.
However, if we count the number of Independence Days since 1947, with 15th August 1947 itself being the first, then 2025 would be the 79th Independence Day. Both ways of counting are technically correct.
The Symbolism of the Indian Tricolour
Every year, the Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag at the historic Red Fort in Delhi and addresses the nation. This is followed by a military parade and cultural displays.
Our national flag, adopted on 22nd July 1947, holds deep meaning. Made from khadi, hand-spun cotton symbolising self-reliance, the flag is a proud emblem of India's spirit.
Saffron (Top Stripe): Represents courage, sacrifice, and strength of spirit.
White (Middle Stripe): Symbolises peace, purity, and truth, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's principles of non-violence.
Green (Bottom Stripe): Stands for fertility, prosperity, and the agricultural heritage of India.
Ashoka Chakra: The navy-blue wheel in the centre has 24 spokes, representing truth, progress, and the continuous movement of the nation.
How India Celebrates Independence Day
Across the country, the day is observed with energy, pride, and patriotism.
Flag Hoisting: The main event takes place at the Red Fort, but similar ceremonies are held in schools, colleges, and public spaces nationwide.
Patriotic Songs & Speeches: The national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana' is sung, and leaders deliver speeches honouring the sacrifices of the past.
Cultural Programmes: Folk dances, patriotic songs, and skits highlight India's cultural richness.
Patriotic Films & Documentaries: Television and theatres showcase stories of the freedom struggle.
Public Displays of Patriotism: People wear tricolour-themed clothes, fly kites, and join rallies to celebrate the nation's freedom.
Independence Day is not just a date on the calendar - it's a reminder of India's journey from colonial rule to a free, democratic nation. It inspires every Indian to value and protect the hard-earned liberty we enjoy today.
For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
7 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Armed forces officers Sofiya Qureshi, Vyomika Singh to tell Op Sindoor story on KBC, to join Big B this I-Day
Actor Amitabh Bachchan will host decorated officers from the Indian Armed Forces in the Independence Day special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) season 17. Sofiya Qureshi, Vyomika Singh share Operation Sindoor story on KBC(YouTube/@KBCIndia) In a promo release of the show, Bachchan welcomed Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force and Commander Prerna Deosthalee of the Indian Navy. The Sony TV show is expected to see the officers narrating key moments from India's high-risk counterterror mission, Operation Sindoor. 'Pakistan had been carrying out such acts repeatedly. A response was necessary, and that's why Operation Sindoor was planned (Pakistan yeh karta chala araha hai. Toh jawab dena banta tha sir. Isiliye Operation Sindoor ko plan kiya gaya),' Col Sofiya Qureshi told Bachchan from the hot seat. 'Pachhis minute me khel khatam' In the short glimpse video, Wing Commander Vyomika recalled the swift execution of the mission, saying, 'From 1:05 AM to 1:30 AM, we completed the entire operation in just 25 minutes (Raat ko ek baj kar paanch minute se lekar dedh baje tak, pachhis minute me khel khatam kar diya).' Commander Prerna praised the precise planning of the operarion, adding, 'Targets were destroyed and no harm was caused to any civilian.' The promo ended with Col Qureshi stating, 'This is a new India with a new vision (Ye ek naya Bharat nayi soch ke saath hai),' followed by Bachchan and the audience chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai." The action packed episode is expected to air of 15th August on the occasion of Independence day. Both Col Sofiya and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh playing key roles in the Operation Sindoor, and held press briefings while the mission was ongoing. The operation was launched by New Delhi in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians in the scenic meadow of Jammu and Kashmir.
NDTV
7 minutes ago
- NDTV
How Indian Armed Forces Get Ready For Independence Day Parade
New Delhi: Every year on August 15, India celebrates its hard-won freedom from British rule. On this day, the Prime Minister hoists the tricolour at the Red Fort, followed by the national anthem and a speech addressing the nation. Across the country, flag hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes, and tributes honour those who sacrificed for India's freedom. On this day, the Armed Forces come together to perform in the Independence Day parade. The parade begins near India Gate and proceeds along Kartavya Path, culminating at the Red Fort. Spanning about 2.5 km, the event draws thousands of spectators and dignitaries who gather to witness the nation's celebration. This grand parade is the result of months of planning, training, and coordination among the different branches of the military. Planning And Coordination Preparation starts well before the event, with the Ministry of Defence overseeing the process. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Border Security Force (BSF), and other paramilitary units each have specific roles, from marching to aerial displays. Rehearsals Full-dress rehearsals take place weeks in advance at the Red Fort and nearby areas. Soldiers practice marching drills, vehicle movements, and timing to make sure everything is synchronised. Military Equipment Display The parade includes tanks, missile systems, and other equipment that demonstrate India's defence capabilities. Indigenous weapons like the 105-mm Light Field Guns are often shown. Air Displays The Indian Air Force performs flypasts with fighter jets flying over the Red Fort, leaving coloured smoke trails representing the national flag. Cultural Displays Along with the military showcase, tableaux from various states and Union Territories display local culture through dances and crafts. This part of the parade involves cooperation between the armed forces and state governments. Security Strict security measures are in place. The area around the Red Fort is secured with multiple layers of protection, including CCTV and drone surveillance. Quick response teams are ready for emergencies. Honouring Courage Gallantry awards are given to military personnel and civilians for acts of bravery, recognising their contributions to the nation. Public Participation Thousands of people watch the parade live at the venue, and millions more watch it on TV. It is a national event that brings people together in celebration.
Time of India
21 minutes ago
- Time of India
All mosques, madrasas in Chhattisgarh must hoist tricolour on Independence Day: Waqf Board
The Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board has directed all mosques , dargahs and madrasas across the state to hoist the national flag on the occasion of Independence Day on August 15. The State Waqf Board chairman, Dr Salim Raj, said a letter was issued on Monday to all mutawallis (those responsible for managing Waqf properties) in this regard, saying the tricolour is "a symbol of honour and pride" which is not linked to any religion. Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass Batch-1 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 2 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 3 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals By Vaibhav Sisinity View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass - Batch 4 By CA Himanshu Jain View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program "This year, our 78th Independence Day will be celebrated on August 15. On this national festival , the tricolour should be hoisted at the main gate of all mosques, madrasas, and dargahs in Chhattisgarh. Understand the importance of Independence Day and maintain its dignity by fostering patriotism , unity and brotherhood," the board stated in the letter to the mutawallis of mosques, dargahs and madrasas. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 15 Most Beautiful Women in the World Undo Some mosques and madrasas do not hold flag-hoisting ceremonies. Respect for the tricolour is above every religion, Raj said. There should be no objection to hoisting it. Therefore, an order had to be issued, he added. Flag hoisting should be done in the presence of the Imam, mutawalli or mosque committee members, he said. Live Events "Those who do not love the tricolour and the country do not have right to live on the land of Bharat Mata. If anyone refuses, it will be clear who loves the country and who harbours fundamentalist thinking," Raj remarked.
