Mela Celebrates Indian Independence Day
Happy Birthday India!
The Legislative Assembly in Lucknow is illuminated ahead of Independence Day.
Every August 15 Indians celebrate Independence Day. On that day in 1947, India finally won its freedom after more than two hundred years of British rule. The struggle for freedom lasted almost a century with episodes of armed rebellion, non-violent marches and bloody massacres. Eventually, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, the non-violent freedom movement galvanized the Indian population into boycotts of British goods and large-scale protests of British authority. The conscience of the world was stirred, bringing international support for the freedom fighters and eroding the British Raj further. Finally, at the stroke of midnight August 15 1947, India became a sovereign nation with Jawaharlal Nehru sworn in as its first prime minister.
“At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom. A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new… India discovers herself again.”-Jawaharlal Nehru
August 15 is now a national holiday in this, the most populous democracy in the world. The Indian flag is hoisted on government buildings and simple homes; parades thrill the crowds that gather to cheer them; Indians gathering to celebrate, paint their faces the colors of the flag: saffron, white and green. The Prime Minister addresses the nation, recounting the country’s achievements for the year and outlining plans for progress in the future. Kite-flying has become a traditional activity on this day, a way to express and celebrate the freedom Indians now enjoy. Children and adults gather in public parks and on rooftops to release colorful kites into the skies.
Kites decorated as the Indian flag will fly the skies in celebration of Independence Day.
It is a time to revel in freedom and to remember those who fought for it, often giving their lives in the process. Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajendra Prasad, Maulana Azad, Sarojini Naidu, Subhash Chandra Bose…these well known figures were joined by thousands of other courageous leaders and unnamed freedom fighters, united in their commitment to create this free nation: India.
Mela Artisans wishes Indians a Happy Independence Day!
