Kite Flying and Langar Seva: Northern Indian States Reverberate with Independence Day Spirit
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The Independence Day in India is celebrated annually on August 15th. The day marks the end of British rule in 1947 and celebrates Indias Independence and freedom from enslavement. To mark independence every year, people from different parts of the country celebrate the day with their own unique traditions and cultures.
Every year the streets are beautifully adorned with the tricolors of the national flag. The Shops, malls and localities are beautifully graced with flags and dupattas, children attired in orange, white and green, marching alongside the road, upraising the national flag, and TV programs, showing documentaries, patriotic films and rallies and live flag hoisting ceremony at the Red Fort.
August 15th, 1947, was the day when India gained its independence after the 200 years of British rule. Dr Jawaharlal Nehru the first Prime Minister of India raised the national flag at the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi and addressed the nation, making it a tradition which continues even today.
Indias Capital city, New Delhi is still referred to as the epicenter of marking several kinds of Independence Day festivities.
From Prime Minister speech at the Red Fort, following the rallies from Indian armed forces and Delhi Police to reminding the people about the freedom struggle, and finally the national anthem Jana Gana Mana, the day unfolds.
Independence Day celebrations would never feel complete without the Kite flying tradition. As India enters the Independence Day celebrations week, the skies are filled with vibrant and colorful kites, depicting the freedom and Indias rich culture. This vibrant and alluring culture is eminent in Delhi, NCR, Punjab and many parts of North India.
The Kite Flying Tradition is a synonym to the Independence Day in India. This tradition has a long history behind it. In 1928, many freedom fighters raised slogans like Simon Go Back to protest the Simon Commission. These slogans gained widespread attention and impacted the public imagination, so people across the nation began writing itthem on kites and sending those skyward.
Marking the grand Independence Day, the Tricolor is ceremoniously hoisted at the historic clock tower situated in Lal chowk, Srinagar. Over the past few years, this event has become a significant symbol of national pride and unity. The ceremony was accompanied by the enchanting of Bharat Mata Ki Jai by the people.
Langer seva, is the most significant practice carried out especially in Punjab by Sikh community during special festivals and events. On Independence Day, many gurudwaras across Punjab organize special langar and celebrate the spirit of freedom by feeding thousands of people and even larger crowds.
The tradition was started by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Guru of Sikh community. He started this as a part of selfless service and welcoming everyone regardless of their background.
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