India National Day 2027

India's Independence Day marks the end of British rule at midnight on 15 August 1947, when Jawaharlal Nehru delivered the 'Tryst with Destiny' speech that is still taught as a landmark of Indian political rhetoric. The day is centred on the Red Fort in Delhi, where the Prime Minister raises the flag and addresses the nation each year.

The prime minister's Delhi speech is the central Independence Day ritual.

15 August marks the day in 1947 when India became independent from British rule. The date ended nearly two centuries of British dominance and created a sovereign state, although independence came together with Partition and mass violence.

The day became India's central national celebration because it honours the freedom movement: Gandhi, Nehru, Patel, Bose, countless regional leaders, civil disobedience, prison, protest and sacrifice. Republic Day on 26 January later became the constitutional companion holiday.

Today Independence Day is marked by the prime minister raising the flag at the Red Fort in Delhi, followed by a national address, patriotic songs, kite flying, school events and flag displays. Visitors see saffron-white-green colours across cities, markets and homes.

Across India, the day is intensely public and local. Schools hold performances, families watch broadcasts, kites fill skies in many cities, and foods from biryani to sweets turn the holiday into a nationwide civic ritual.

• 1857Indian Rebellion challenges British East India Company rule
• 1947India becomes independent as British rule ends
• 1950Constitution takes effect on Republic Day

• Celebratednationwide
• CapitalNew Delhi
• Time zoneIST (UTC+5:30)

• Currency: Indian rupee
• Language: English, Hindi
• Driving: on the left
• Capital: New Delhi
• Phone: +91
• Emergency: 112
• Electricity: 230 V, 50 Hz, plugs C/D/M