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Independence day special 15th August 2008 |
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Independence Day Celebrations
August 15, Independence Day, is celebrated in a mood of abandon and
joy - no rituals, just festivities. It is also a national holiday, with educational institutions,
private and government organisations remaining closed, but for official celebrations in the morning.
Schools and colleges mark the day with cultural activities, drills, flag
hoisting and distribution of sweets. Government as well as private organisations celebrate it similarly.
Families and friends get together for lunch or dinner, or for an outing. Housing colonies,
cultural centres, clubs and societies hold entertainment programmes and competitions,
usually based on the freedom theme.
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Red Fort Ceremony
On the morning of August 15, the Prime Minister addresses the nation from the ramparts of
the Red Fort in Delhi. In his speech, he highlights the achievements of the country during the
past year and gives a call for further development. He also pays tribute to leaders of the freedom struggle.
Kite Flying
There is a tradition of flying kites on the Independence
Day. The sky is dotted with hundreds of colourful kites and people engage in kite-flying
competitions. Kites painted with the three colours of the national flag are a hot
favourite. Balconies and roof-tops of houses are full of people flying kites and
one can hear cheerful shouts of children in the evening as the kites soar in the
sky.
In cities, one sees a sudden burst of saffron, green and
white, the Indian tri-colour. The media goes to town with a variety of contests,
promotions and programmes related to Indian independence. Television channels show
patriotic movies and relentlessly play patriotic songs from old and new Hindi movies.
Billboards on roadsides for different brands pay their tribute to the nation.
Everyone seems to have something going for them.
Shops and petty tradesmen sell a range of Independence Day merchandise such as flags,
stickers, tee-shirts and greeting cards. Street urchins hawk paper and plastic flags
and tri-coloured balloons to motorists at traffic signals.
Though a trifle commercial and jingoistic, what lies beneath the celebrations is
the national spirit of gaiety, pride and hope for a better future. A spirit and
hope that is renewed each year.
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Patriotic SMS
Patriotic Quotes
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