Independence Day is annually celebrated on 15 August, as a national holiday in Indiacommemorating the nation's independencefrom the United Kingdom on 15 August 1947, the UK Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act 1947 transferring legislative sovereignty to the Indian Constituent Assembly. India still retained King George VI as head of state until its transition to full republican constitution. India attained independence following the Independence Movement noted for largely non-violent resistance and civil disobedience led by the Indian National Congress (INC). Independence coincided with the partition of India, in which the British India was divided along religious lines into the Dominions of India and Pakistan; the partition was accompanied by violent riots and mass casualties, and the displacement of nearly 15 million people due to religious violence. On 15 August 1947, the first Prime Minister of India, 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.^[1]

Independence Day of India
The National Flag of India hoisted at the Red Fort in Delhi; hoisted flags are a common sight on Independence Day.
Also called	स्वतंत्रता दिवस
Observed by	India
Type	National
Significance	Commemorates the independence of India
Celebrations	Flag hoisting, parade, fireworks, singing patriotic songs and the National Anthem Jana Gana Mana, speech by the Prime Minister of India and President of India
Date	15 August
Frequency	Annual
First time	15th August 1947
Related to	Republic Day