- By Chetna Shree
- Fri, 15 Aug 2025 07:44 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Independence Day 2025: India celebrates Independence Day or Swatantra Divas every year on August 15 to mark the country’s freedom from British colonial rule. On this day, after nearly 200 years of British colonial rule, India got its hard-earned independence. Since then, the day is remembered with patriotism and national celebrations, including flag hoisting ceremony and cultural celebrations in educational institutions, offices, government offices and other establishments.
Why Is Independence Day Celebrated On August 15?
The date, August 15, was chosen as Independence Day because the last British Viceroy, Lord Mountbatten, officially handed over power on August 15, 1947, marking an end to colonial rule and a new era in India’s independence.
Earlier, the Britishers had planned to transfer the power later, around June 1948. Due to growing tensions and the desire to break links with World War II’s end (V-J Day as also on 15 August 1945), led to the early transfer of power by Mountbatten on August 15, 1947.
Is It 78th Or 79th Independence Day?
Like every year, this year too, confusion arises whether India is celebrating its 78th or 79th Independence Day. In 2025, India is celebrating its 79th Independence Day. The confusion arises when we do not factor in the first celebration and simply subtract 1947 (the year India achieved its freedom from British colonisers) from the present year (2025) and arrive at 78.
The correct way is to factor in August 15, 1947 (the day India got freedom) as the first Independence Day. Then, you will get 2025 as the 79th year of Independence.
Theme For Independence Day 2025
Every year, we celebrate Independence Day with a different theme. This year, the theme for Independence Day 2025 is ‘Naya Bharat’, the Union Ministry of Defence said in a statement.