The last one year has been challenging for many people in India due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, like always, they are getting back up on their feet. As the lockdown rules ease, Mumbai is ready to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Indian independence by illuminating iconic structures as sellers get ready to sell tricolour paraphernalia. Here are some interesting facts about India's independence, ahead of the celebration
Updated on : 14 August,2021 04:41 PM IST
A worker displays a large Indian national flag at a workshop ahead of India's 75th Independence Day celebrations in Mumbai on August 7, 2021. Photo: AFP
India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru raised the Indian flag on August 15, 1947 above the Lahori Gate at the Red Fort, to mark the day. It was also on the same day that he was sworn in as the Prime Minister of India and Sardar Vallabhai Patel was appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister. In this photo, flagmaker Nissar Ahmad makes Indian flags and packs them in bundles for sale ahead of India's 75th Independence Day celebrations in Mumbai on August 9, 2021. Photo: AFP
On August 15, 1947, India was divided into two separate countries – India and Pakistan, according to the Indian Independence Act, 1947. While India celebrates it on the day, Pakistan celebrates its Independence Day a day before on August 14, as the power of independence and governance was transferred to Muhammad Ali Jinnah on that day. In this photo, flag maker Mukhtar Shaikh makes Indian flags and packs them in bundles for sale ahead of India's 75th Independence Day celebrations in Mumbai on August 9, 2021. Photo: AFP
The division of India and Pakistan, more popularly called the Partition, led to the displacement of approximately 15 million people, who had to choose between the two countries, and that subsequently led to a refugee crisis. In this photo, workers inspect Indian national flags ahead of the country's 75th Independence Day celebrations at a workshop in Mumbai on August 3, 2021. Photo: AFP
The Indian national flag is made up of three colours – saffron, white and green, along with the navy blue Ashoka Chakra in the centre and is commonly called the ‘tricolour’. The current flag was adopted on July 22, 1947 and is an adaptation of the earlier flag, which was designed by Pingali Venkayya. In this photo, a worker displays a large Indian national flag at a workshop ahead of India's 75th Independence Day celebrations in Mumbai on August 7, 2021. Photo: AFP
According to the law, the Indian flag has to be made only with khadi. The handspun handwoven cloth was made popular by Mahatma Gandhi in 1918, to signify self-reliance of the Indian people. The usage of the flag is also governed by the Flag Code of India. In this photo, a worker sews the Indian national flag at a workshop ahead of India's 75th Independence Day celebrations in Mumbai on August 7, 2021. Photo: AFP
Every year, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), formerly known as Victoria Terminus is illuminated with the colours of the Indian flag to celebrate Independence Day in Mumbai. The historical and iconic railway station was given the heritage tag and included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list on July 2, 2004. In this photo, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus shines bright with the colours of the Indian flag ahead of Independence Day celebrations on August 13, 2021. Photo: Ashish Raje/Mid-day
