Why was 15 August Chosen as Independence Day of India?

India got Independence on 15 August 1947a, before this it was under British Rule. Many freedom fighters of India struggled and lost their lives while fighting with British. They all fought for the Independence of India. They were the real brave soldiers who will always remain immortal in the history of India.

26 January was chosen as Independence Day?

In 1929 Lahore session of the Indian National Congress party, the president Jawaharlal Nehru gave a call for “Poorna Swaraj” or “Independence Declaration of India for freedom”. 26 January was chosen as the Independence Day for India between 1930 and 1946. It was celebrated with huge meetings and gatherings. People from all caste or group would join and do some social work for the benefit of people of all the religions.

Also know about “The pride of every Indian – The Tiranga”

It was on 20 February 1947 when the British parliament summoned the last viceroy of India Lord Mountbatten to transfer the power to British India by June 1948. Clement Attlee was the Prime Minster of British government that time. However, Lord Mountbatten advanced the date to 15 August 1947.

Why was 15 August chosen as Independence Day of India?

Lord Mountbatten advanced the date of freedom for India to 15 August 1947 opposed to June 1948, which was earlier decided by the British Government. He chose 15 August 1947 as the Independence Day for India because it was the second anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II.

The Indian Independence Act 1947 of British Parliament partitioned the Independent India into two independent states; India and Pakistan. Later this act then received royal assent on 18 July 1947.

Also Read: National Flag “Tiranga” is the pride of India

According to this both India and Pakistan got independence on the same day I.e. 15 August 1947. However, Pakistan celebrates it on 14 August every year for two reasons. One, the transfer of power of states, which was held in Karachi, took place on 14 August 1947. In addition, the reason is 14 August 1947 was very auspicious day of Ramadan for them.

Jawaharlal Nehru was chosen to be the first Prime Minister of India. Muhammad Ali Jinnah was appointed as the first Governor General of Independent Pakistan.

However, British government approved freedom to India but it was done on very heavy cost. Millions of Sikh, Muslims and Hindus faced massive bloodshed while crossing borders. People crossing borders had to lose their home and family members. Starting life with scratch from beginning was one of the worst challenge for most of the people after Independence.

What was ‘Abhijit Muharat’ of Independence day?

When it was decided that India would get independence on 15 August, 1947 the astrologers predicted that the date is not auspicious and India should celebrate it in the auspicious Abhijit muharat.

Due to this it was decided to celebrate the independence in the midnight of 14 August. Abhijit muharat was for 48 minutes from 12:00 midnight to 12:48am. First prime minister Pandit Nehru hoisted the national flag tiranga at 12 am. So, according to English calendar the date was 15 August but according to Hindu calendar it was 14 August as we Hindus believe in the onset of new day with the sunrise.

This is the story of independence of India and why it is celebrated on 15 August every year.