Independence Day 2023: Will India celebrate its 76th or 77th I-Day this year?

OpEd Desk August 13, 2023

Independence Day 2023 of India: Independence Day is celebrated on August 15th annually in India to commemorate the country’s independence from British colonial rule. The significance of this day lies in its historical importance as it marks the end of over 200 years of British dominion in India.

The Indian National Congress, the leading political party in the independence struggle, had initially demanded complete independence on January 26, 1930. This date later became Republic Day, while August 15th remained the day of independence, chosen to signify India’s triumph over colonial rule. Independence Day is a national holiday in India.

However, amidst the festivities and fervour, there is a lot of confusion and the question lingers in the minds of many as to whether India will be celebrating its 76th or 77th Independence Day this year.

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Is India celebrating the 76th or 77th Independence Day in 2023?

On July 4, 1947, the Indian Independence Bill was introduced in the British House of Colonials. British dominance came to an end after 200 years on August 15, 1947. The British enacted the Indian Independence Act on July 18, 1947, and the entire act was the reason for the Indian Independence Movement, which had been active for a long period of time.

Many freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, and more, fought for our independence. Several brave fighters laid down their lives for our country.

On 15 August 1947, British colonial rule in India came to an end, concluding almost 200 years of British rule. Since that historic day, 15 August has been celebrated as India’s Independence Day. On 15 August 1948, India celebrated the first anniversary of its independence. Thus, this year is the 76th anniversary of freedom.

However, if we count from the actual date of Independence – 15 August 1947. This means that 1947 will always be remembered as the first year of India’s independence and the first Independence Day. As a result, the country will celebrate its 77th Independence Day in 2023.

To conclude, this year India would be completing 76 years of Independence, and be commencing onto its 77th year of Independence. The theme for 2023’s Independence Day celebration is “Nation first, Always first” as a part of the broader “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” celebration. The government has also decided to put in place a number of programmes to acknowledge the nation’s wide diversity of culture.