Independence Day 2025 – 78th or 79th? Date, History, Flag Hoisting & Celebration Details

Independence Day 2025: In India, the name of 15th August fills the hearts with feelings of pride, sacrifice and unity. This day is not just a national holiday, but a symbol of the amazing journey that freed us from the chains of slavery and led us on the path of democracy. The year 2025 is very special in this regard - because this year the country will celebrate its 79th Independence Day under the tricolor, which will mark the completion of 78 years.

But the real confusion begins from here - there is a debate among the people whether India will celebrate its 78th Independence Day or 79th in 2025? From social media to discussions on the coffee table, this question is echoing everywhere.

Independence Day 2025: 78th or 79th?

The real reason for the confusion is that often this question arises in the minds of the people whether India will celebrate its 78th Independence Day or 79th in 2025. The answer to this is hidden in history. India got independence on 15 August 1947 and the first Independence Day was celebrated on the same day. Subsequently, the first anniversary of Independence Day was celebrated on 15 August 1948.

By the year 2025, India will complete 78 years of its independence, but since the first Independence Day was celebrated in 1947 itself, this will be the 79th time the country will celebrate this day. In short, India will celebrate its 79th Independence Day in 2025, marking the completion of 78 years of independence.

Independence Day 2025 Celebrations

• The celebrations at the Red Fort begin with the armed forces and Delhi Police giving a guard of honour to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The national flag is then hoisted, the national anthem is sung and a 21-gun salute is given.
• Indian Air Force helicopters shower flowers during the event.
• The Prime Minister then addresses the nation.
• Immediately after the speech, the national anthem is sung again.
• The ceremony concludes with the release of tricolour balloons.

The journey of freedom: A story adorned with sacrifices

India's freedom struggle spanned not a day or a decade, but almost two centuries. Its first spark erupted in the First War of Independence of 1857, where brave sons challenged British rule. However, the real mass movement began in the 1920s under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.

Mahatma Gandhiji's path of Satyagraha and non-violence became a source of inspiration for crores of Indians to join this fight. The Dandi March, the Quit India Movement and many mass movements across the country shook the foundations of the British Empire. The decisive turning point in the path to independence came on 4 July 1947, when the Indian Independence Bill was introduced in the British Parliament. After its passage, India emerged on the world map as an independent nation on 15 August 1947.

India got independence at midnight

The country got independence at midnight on 15 August 1947 when a special meeting of the Indian Constituent Assembly began on the afternoon of 14 August and lasted till midnight, in which India was declared independent. On this day Jawaharlal Nehru took oath as the first Prime Minister of India and from this time the British rule ended.

Why was 15 August chosen?

The main reason for giving independence to India on 15 August was that this day is also the day of independence of South Korea and Bahrain. This day was the anniversary of the surrender of Japan, which marked the end of World War II.

History of India's Tricolor

The tricolor was designed by Pingali Venkaiah. Pingali Venkaiah was a freedom fighter, educationist, writer and language expert. He was also a follower of Mahatma Gandhi and was the first to recognize the need for a separate flag for the nation.

Who wrote the national anthem?

The national anthem of India, 'Jana-Gana-Mana' was written by Rabindranath Tagore. It was originally written in Bengali as 'Bharato Bhagyo Bidhata'. It was adopted as the national anthem by the Constituent Assembly on 24 January 1950.

What happens on Independence Day?

Every year on the morning of 15 August, the Prime Minister of the country hoists the flag at the Red Fort in Delhi and addresses the nation from its ramparts.

Read More: Independence Day 2024: History, Significance, What Is the Theme of this Year