logo
Must-Visit Memorials And Historical Monuments In India On Independence Day 2025

Must-Visit Memorials And Historical Monuments In India On Independence Day 2025

News18a day ago
On Independence Day, soak in India's rich history and learn more about the freedom struggle at these must-visit war memorials and historical monuments.
Independence Day in India is more than just a national holiday. It's a heartfelt tribute to the sacrifices, resilience, and courage that won the nation its freedom. As the country marks 79 years of independence on August 15, visiting historical monuments and memorials offers a powerful way to connect with India's struggle for liberty. These landmarks are not only architectural treasures but also living reminders of the people and events that shaped the country's destiny.
1. India Gate, New Delhi
Standing tall in the heart of the capital, India Gate is both a war memorial and a gathering place for national celebrations. Built to honour the soldiers of the British Indian Army who lost their lives in World War I, it now also houses the Amar Jawan Jyoti flame, dedicated to fallen soldiers of independent India. On Independence Day, it becomes a hub of patriotic spirit with flags, floral tributes, and illuminated surroundings.
2. Red Fort, New Delhi
The Red Fort is where the Prime Minister addresses the nation every Independence Day – a tradition since 1947. The historic fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the political centre of the Mughal era and later became a symbol of India's freedom. Visiting on August 15 lets you witness the grandeur of the flag-hoisting ceremony and the echoes of history in its red sandstone walls.
3. Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar
A place of solemn remembrance, Jallianwala Bagh stands as a stark reminder of the 1919 massacre that galvanised the Indian independence movement. The memorial's preserved bullet marks, eternal flame, and Martyrs' Well are powerful symbols of the sacrifices made for freedom. Visiting here on Independence Day is a deeply moving experience.
4. Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad
Once home to Mahatma Gandhi, Sabarmati Ashram is a peaceful yet powerful site that played a central role in India's freedom struggle. Walking through its simple cottages, visitors can explore letters, photographs, and personal belongings of the Father of the Nation. On Independence Day, it offers a serene space to reflect on Gandhian ideals.
5. Cellular Jail, Port Blair
Known as 'Kala Pani," Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands was a colonial prison where many freedom fighters endured unimaginable hardship. Today, it stands as a museum and memorial to their sacrifice. The evening light-and-sound show narrating the history of India's struggle makes for an unforgettable visit.
First Published:
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Indian man who helped countless people land UAE jobs returns after 51 years, greeted by roaring busload of people
Indian man who helped countless people land UAE jobs returns after 51 years, greeted by roaring busload of people

Hindustan Times

time2 hours ago

  • Hindustan Times

Indian man who helped countless people land UAE jobs returns after 51 years, greeted by roaring busload of people

An Indian expatriate from Kerala, who spent over five decades in the United Arab Emirates assisting thousands with employment visas and personally guiding dozens from his hometown into jobs, has now returned home. The man, identified as Thayyil Abdul Gafoor, received a grand welcome as a roaring busload of people greeted him in Kerala, a moment that has since gone viral. The Indian expat known as the 'real-life Gafoor' left UAE after decades of helping jobseekers and received a grand welcome in Kerala.(Instagram/siyotechtravel ) Check out the clip here: Fondly called the 'Real-life Gafoor' Thayyil Abdul Gafoor, 64, is widely known as the 'real-life Gafoor' among Malayalis, a name earned for his generosity in securing jobs for others. The title draws a contrast with the fictional conman Gafoor from the 1980s Malayalam cult comedy classic Nadodikkattu. According to a Gulf News report, Gafoor bid farewell to Dubai last week after multiple parties organised by his friends and colleagues. Upon arrival at Calicut International Airport, he was greeted by a surprise reception. A busload of well-wishers shouting slogans rented a state-run KSRTC bus to carry him to his village, Maruthinchira, in Malappuram district. A celebration fit for a local hero As Gafoor entered his village aboard the bus, an escort vehicle announced through loudspeakers, 'Our own Gafoorka has landed.' His arrival was marked by a drum ensemble, followed by a public reception attended by local officials and residents. A tribute video highlighting his life's journey was also screened. The reception was organised by members of his neighbourhood group, the KKB Group, to honour the man who, unlike his on-screen namesake played by the late comedian Mamukkoya, truly changed lives. 'It is all thanks to Dubai' Speaking from Maruthinchira, Gafoor told Gulf News he was overwhelmed by the grand welcome. 'It is all thanks to Dubai,' he said. 'I reached heights that I had never imagined I would because of Dubai's generosity. If anyone's life has changed because of me, it is all thanks to Dubai. I have only been a catalyst.' He added, 'I am always grateful to Dubai and the UAE for providing livelihood to not just me, but millions of Indians, especially those from Kerala. In my case, it is the fourth generation that is calling the UAE home now.' Looking ahead in Kerala Community members said Gafoor personally helped dozens from his town with paperwork and references for employment in Dubai. While he admitted he never kept count, he credited his wife of 45 years for connecting many job seekers through her network. Now back in Kerala, Gafoor plans to enjoy his homeland, reconnect with people, and oversee a company producing Arabic breads, which he had started 15 years ago. 'I've spent a lifetime building a career and helping others. Now it's time to explore life in Kerala,' he said.

IndiGo Aircraft's Tail Touches Runway At Mumbai Airport Due To Bad Weather, Airline Reacts
IndiGo Aircraft's Tail Touches Runway At Mumbai Airport Due To Bad Weather, Airline Reacts

News18

time2 hours ago

  • News18

IndiGo Aircraft's Tail Touches Runway At Mumbai Airport Due To Bad Weather, Airline Reacts

Last Updated: IndiGo flight's tail touched the runway at the Mumbai Airport on Saturday due to bad weather, the airline spokesperson said. An IndiGo aircraft's tail touched the runway at the Mumbai Airport on Saturday during a low-altitude go-around due to bad weather conditions in the city, an official said. The plane made another attempt and landed safely, after which it was sent for checks and repairs before its next operation. 'On August 16, 2025 an IndiGo Airbus A321 aircraft tail touched the runway while executing a low-altitude go-around due to unfavourable weather conditions in Mumbai. Thereafter, the aircraft carried out another approach and landed safely. Following the standard protocol, the aircraft will go through necessary checks/ repairs and regulatory clearance before resuming operations," an IndiGo spokesperson said in a statement. 'At IndiGo, the safety of our customers, crew, and aircraft is our top priority. We are making all efforts to minimise any subsequent impact on our operations due to this incident," the statement added. In March, an IndiGo Airbus A321's tail touched the runway while landing at Chennai airport. After the incident, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced that it was investigating the case, Hindustan Times reported. Earlier, in September last year, another IndiGo A321 flying from Delhi to Bengaluru also suffered a tail strike while landing. The crew on that flight was taken off duty while the investigation was carried out, the report said. view comments First Published: August 16, 2025, 18:53 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Go nuts with pecans beyond pies and brownies
Go nuts with pecans beyond pies and brownies

Mint

time2 hours ago

  • Mint

Go nuts with pecans beyond pies and brownies

I took my first bite of a raw pecan and thought—this is exactly what you'd get if a cashew and a walnut had a baby. Pecans take the best from both: the sweet butteriness of a cashew and the earthy nuttiness of a walnut. Until now, my encounters with pecans had been in pecan pies or a brownie, but this is one nut that scores a perfect ten, even when raw and untoasted. It also has an inherent crisp texture that avoids one of the most annoying traits of most nuts when eaten raw—that tendency of getting stuck between your teeth. For years, nuts have been high on the shopping list of Indians visiting the US—and I'm clearly not alone in thinking so. When I asked my Instagram audience what tops their 'must-buy" list from the US (given that you can find almost everything here these days), pecans and walnuts emerged as clear favourites. And with good reason: the quality is excellent, and the prices can be far more attractive than in India. I picked up a two-pound bag of fresh pecan halves at Costco in US for $12.99—about ₹1,200 per kilo. A quick online check back home showed Indian retailers selling pecans for anywhere between ₹3,300-5,000 per kilo. While almonds and cashews might sometimes be better value locally, pecans are still something of a niche nut here. With nuts, freshness matters. Long import journeys and months on store shelves can dull their flavour and texture, which is why a bag hand-carried by a friend or family member from abroad will almost always trump anything you can order online. That said, if there's no travel on the horizon, a small pack from a reliable local source can still be worth it, if only to enjoy the distinct buttery sweetness that makes pecans so special. But are pecans truly 'cheap" in the US? Climate change and global exports mean that even the locally grown nuts are no longer super-affordable. I read this interesting piece on how pecan has become way too expensive for their own Thanksgiving pecan pie. Historian James McWilliams recounts in The Pecan: A History of America's Native Nut (2013), it took just one tasting at a Paris trade show in 2006 for a group of curious Chinese buyers to set off a chain reaction. Within a few years, China went from having no word for 'pecan" to importing a quarter of the US crop. Brined, roasted, and marketed as an antioxidant-packed luxury snack, they went from unheard of to being available in local gas stations. Add to that Texas droughts, late frosts and the fact that bakers prize only the freshest, prettiest halves for pies, and you have the perfect recipe for expensive pecan pie. I have a bit of a hoarding tendency when it comes to exotic ingredients, saving them for a 'special" day or dish. I'm sure some of you reading this will relate. But after too many rounds of clearing out expired treasures from the back of my freezer, I've resolved to use these pecans in the here and now. Beyond eating a few raw to savour their flavour and roasting some for snacking, I've used pecans in muffins—a perfect grab-and-go snack for kids. My kitchen notebook is filling with ideas: Sunday banana pecan pancakes, quinoa salad with roasted vegetables and pecans, pecan-and-chilli crusted paneer, homemade granola with dried fruit and coconut flakes and a chocolate bark with sea salt for a healthy-ish treat. At this rate, my two-pound stash will vanish sooner rather than later. I'll be hoping a travelling friend steps in and gets me a bag. HOT MAPLE PECANS Makes 1 cup Ingredients 1 cup pecan halves 1 tbsp maple syrup (or honey) 1 tsp olive oil Half tsp salt Half tsp red chilli powder Preheat the airfryer to 160 degrees Celsius Method In a bowl, whisk the maple syrup, olive oil, salt and chilli powder together. Add the pecans, tossing well to coat. Line the airfryer basket with parchment, transfer the nuts and roast for 5-6 minutes, shaking once midway. Watch closely as nuts can burn quickly. Serve once cooled or store in an airtight container and use them to top salads and grain bowls. PECAN APPLE OAT MUFFINS Makes 9 Ingredients Half-cup whole wheat flour 1 cup oat flour 1 tsp ground cinnamon Half tsp salt Half cup brown sugar 1.5 tsp baking powder Half cup milk Half to three quarters cup of milk 1 egg 4 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp apple cider vinegar Half tsp vanilla extract 1 red apple, coarsely grated Quarter cup chopped pecans Method Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Line a 9-cup muffin tray with paper liners. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, oat flour, cinnamon, salt, brown sugar, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, vanilla and grated apple until well combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in the chopped pecans. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-fourths full. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will keep for up to a week. Tip: You can make oat flour by blitzing rolled oats in a blender until finely ground. Double Tested is a fortnightly column on vegetarian cooking, highlighting a single ingredient prepared two ways. Nandita Iyer's latest book is The Great Indian Thali. She posts @saffrontrail on Instagram and X.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store