Independence Day

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Lesson Transcript

Culture Class: Holidays in India Lesson 17 - Independence Day

Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in India Series at HindiPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Hindi holidays and observances. I’m Eric, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 17, Independence Day. In Hindi, it’s called Swatantrata Divas.

A very important date for the Indian State is August 15, 1947 – exactly two years after the end of World War II. Do you know the significance of this date?

In this lesson, we are talking about the date of Indian Independence, which is celebrated every year on August 15.

Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question-

What are the different colors and symbols contained in the Indian flag, and what is the flag itself called?

If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening.

This day celebrates the historic moment when India gained independence from British rule and established itself as an independent state. This was achieved after eighty years of struggle and large-scale social movements. The government, or Sarkar, of India has commemorated this occasion every year in the Red Fort in the capital, New Delhi, since 1947. The first Prime Minister, or Pardhan Mantri, of India, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, hoisted the Indian flag here with a speech at midnight. This tradition continues today.

The British ruled India for close to 200 years. Many kings and warriors lost their lives fighting against their rule. The movement against British colonial rule gained momentum with a united effort across India, launched with the slogan "Long Live Revolution" across the different regions. Countless people sacrificed their lives in this struggle, all of whom are remembered with reverence on this day with a 21-gun salute.

After the flag, or Dhwaz, hoisting ceremony, the armed forces carry out a parade, followed by a display of the nation’s traditions and culture. Every institution, school and organization in the country holds their own special flag hoisting ceremony as well.

The Indian national anthem is called "Jana Gana Mana". Interestingly, the author, Rabindranath Tagore, is the only poet in the world whose works became the national anthems of two different countries – the other being "Aamar Shonar Bangla", the national anthem of Bangladesh.

Now it's time to answer our quiz question-

What are the different colors and symbols contained in the Indian flag, and what is the flag itself called?

There are three colors in India’s flag – a saffron band on top, a white band in the middle, and a green band at the bottom. A wheel sits in the center of the white band. The flag is known as Tiranga in Hindi and Tricolor in English.