Independence Day 2025: 78th or 79th?

As India prepares to celebrate Independence Day in just over a week on August 15, there's one question on people's minds: Is it the 79th or 78th Independence Day?

The debate revolves around two

suppositions: whether the day can be attributed to India's inaugural anniversary celebration one year later or to August 15, 1947, the day it attained independence.

India won its freedom from British rule on August 15, 1947. That year counts as the first Independence Day. Thus, the country will mark its 79th anniversary of independence, which spans 78 full years from 1947 to 2025.

Furthermore, official channels confirmed that India will observe its 79th Independence Day. According to a letter from the Prime

Minister's Office (PMO) that was distributed by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the nation will mark its 79th Independence Day.

“As India prepares to celebrate its 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today extended an invitation to all citizens to contribute their thoughts and ideas for his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15,” the letter added.

Independence Day 2025 is a national holiday, with the main festivities being a parade, a flag-hoisting ceremony, and a cultural

performance. India's prime minister traditionally addresses the country while raising the National Flag at Delhi's Red Fort.

A major component of the festivities at the Red Fort and other venues is the Independence Day Parade.

Following the Prime Minister's speech, the military, paramilitary forces, and schoolchildren in Delhi led a ceremonial procession. This procession has long been seen as an emblem of India's diversity and unity.

The Prime Minister stated in a message posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“As we approach this year's Independence Day, I look forward to hearing from my fellow Indians! What themes or ideas would you like to see reflected in this year’s Independence Day speech? Share your thoughts on the Open Forums on MyGov and the NaMo App...”

As we approach this year's Independence Day, I look forward to hearing from my fellow Indians!

What themes or ideas would you like to see reflected in this year’s Independence Day speech?

Share your thoughts on the Open Forums on MyGov and the NaMo App...…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 1, 2025

People participate in cultural events and decorate public areas with the tricolour as a way to show their pride in their country. Celebrations are held at government agencies, colleges, and universities to show solidarity, respect, and commemoration of India's

independence movement.

The official theme for Independence Day 2025 has not yet been announced. Every year, a distinct theme defines the country's celebrations of freedom. The majority of themes are selected to guide or reflect on the values of growth, patriotism, and unity.