Independence Day 2024: History, theme, significance of August 15

NEW DELHI: India is going to celebrate the 78th Independence Day today, August 15. On this occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi and address the nation. The theme for Independence Day 2024 is "Viksit Bharat," which translates to "Developed India."

Independence Day marks the anniversary of India's freedom from British rule in 1947 and is being observed with various ceremonies, parades, and cultural events. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unfurl the national flag at 7:30 am today.

To join in the celebrations from home, PM Modi’s speech and the entire event will be available for live viewing on several platforms. The broadcast can be watched on Doordarshan, the national broadcaster, and on YouTube via the Press Information Bureau.

August 15, 1948, marked the first anniversary of India's independence. Consequently, in 2024, the nation will celebrate its 77th anniversary of independence. Alternatively, counting from 1947, August 15, 2024, will signify the 78th anniversary of this historic event.

Har Ghar Tiranga campaign

The government launched the third edition of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign from August 9 to August 15 to mark the occasion. This initiative encouraged citizens to display the Indian flag at their homes. Prime Minister Modi urged everyone to actively participate and share selfies with the flag at harghartiranga.com.

“As this year’s Independence Day approaches, let’s again make #HarGharTiranga a memorable mass movement. I am changing my profile picture and I urge you all to join me in celebrating our Tricolour by doing the same. And yes, do share your selfies on harghartiranga.com,” Prime Minister wrote on X.

Also read Independence Day: CBSE urges students to hoist national flag, upload selfies during Har Ghar Tiranga

Guidelines to hoist the national flag

Properly hoisting and displaying the national flag is a matter of respect and national pride. Adhering to the following guidelines ensures that the flag is handled with the dignity it deserves:

• The flag should be hoisted with the saffron stripe on top and the green stripe at the bottom. The Ashoka Chakra should be visible and oriented correctly.

• When displayed on a wall or in a horizontal position, the flag’s saffron stripe should be on the top, with the Ashoka Chakra facing outward.

• The flag’s dimensions should maintain a 3:2 ratio, as correct proportion is important for proper display.

• The flag should be in good condition; a torn or damaged flag should not be hoisted. Ensure that the flag does not touch the ground, water, or any other object.

• The flag should be hoisted at sunrise and taken down by sunset. It should not be displayed in the dark.