The Independence Day of India is celebrated on the 15th of August every year. It was on 15th August 1947 that India was declared independent from British colonialism. On this day the Indian Independence Act 1947 came into effect, transferring legislative sovereignty to the Indian Constituent Assembly. India attained independence following the independence movement noted for largely non-violent resistance and civil disobedience led by Indian National Congress under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. On 15 August 1947, the first Prime Minister of India, Shri Jawaharlal Nehru raised the Indian national flag above the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi. On each subsequent Independence Day, the incumbent Prime Minister customarily raises the flag and gives an address to the nation. Every year, the Independence Day is celebrated with grandeur, gaiety, fervour and enthusiasm. Independence day celebrations 2025 National level celebrations The Independence Day Celebrations in Delhi shall consist of the following:- The Ceremony at Red Fort consisting of the presentation of a Guard of Honour by the Armed Forces and the Delhi Police to the Prime Minister (Pradhan Mantri), unfurling of the National Flag accompanied by playing of the National Anthem and firing of 21-gun salute, showering of flower petals by the helicopters of Indian Air Force, speech by the Prime Minister, singing of the National Anthem immediately after PM's speech, and release of tri-coloured balloons at the end. "At Home" reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan Country-wide celebrations The celebration of Independence Day Ceremony/hoisting of National Flag at State Capitals/ District Headquarters/ Sub-division/ Block / Gram Panchayat/ Villages etc. will commence in the morning after 09:00 a.m. The Independence Day in States/UTs may be celebrated as under:- At State level : Unfurling of National Flag by the Chief Minister; playing of the National Anthem; presentation of Guard of Honour by the State Police/Para Military Forces/Home Guards/NCC/ Scouts; address to public by the Chief Minister followed by singing of National Anthem. District level : Unfurling of National Flag by Minister/Commissioner/District Magistrate; playing of National Anthem; parade by State Police personnel; Home Guards/NCC/Scouts followed by address to public by the Minister/ Commissioner/District Magistrate and singing of National Anthem. Sub-Divisional level/Block level : Unfurling of National Flag by Sub Divisional Magistrate/Sub Divisional Officer/ Block Development Officer as the case may be; playing of National Anthem followed by address to public by the Sub Divisional Magistrate/Sub Divisional Officer/ Block Development Officer and singing of National Anthem. Panchayat Headquarters/Villages : Unfurling of National Flag by the Sarpanch/Gram Pradhan; playing of National Anthem followed by address to public by the Sarpanch/Gram Pradhan and singing of National Anthem. 'At Home' function 'At Home' function at Governor/LG House may be commenced in the evening (after 05:00 p.m.). This function represents a diverse set of invitees apart from usual protocol based invitees, on this occasion, the following indicative categories of guests could be invited:- Divyangjans Achievers in different fields People who made exemplary contribution to society, including during the time of Covid Eco-warriors, people who performed exemplary for environmental conservation. Swacchagrahi. Padma awardees from the State/UT. Noks of martyrs. Participants/winners of Olympics and other important sports events of National/ International standards. Exceptional educators. Frontline health workers. Children bravery awardees. Women Sarpanches etc. Student toppers Best researchers/innovators. At least 25-50 invites may be reserved for such achievers. The names of such invitees should be announced in advance to enable the invitees to prepare for the occasion. The majority of the gathering could be under the category of special invitees under different categories. A system whereby the invitee list is generated afresh every year should be instituted, so that the opportunity is given to a broad set of people. It could be considered that a person gets an invite just once. Special attention may be paid to the band at Governor/LG House. It should play patriotic songs and not simply songs from movies. A system of competition among school bands should be instituted whereby the winners get to perform at the Governor House during 'At Home' reception. The invitation card for Governor/LG 'At Home' should be created in a way that these are treasured for life as souvenir by the invitees, marking it as a special occasion once in life. If some good innovation has been done by the State the same can be exhibited during the 'At Home' function. Source : Independence Day celebrations