Unique ways to celebrate Independence Day
The tricolour is something that holds special significance in the lives of Indians. Our forefathers have given their blood and sweat for its freedom and that is something that we have not forgotten. The emotional sentiments associated with the tricolour lead many of us to associate it with Indian independence. While the flag does signify Indian sovereignty, the fact is that Independence means a lot more. Every day, we have our brothers and sisters at the borders, well-armed and well prepared and ready to tackle anything that may hinder the Independence of the land. On the 15th of August every year, we celebrate the spirit of a free India that came to us at a high price.
As a National holiday, people like to spend the day with their friends and family. Most schools, colleges, businesses, and housing societies celebrate Independence Day with the hoisting of the National Flag. While the tricolour is dear to all our hearts, doing just that much is for the India of a bygone era.
While all Indian will be celebrating 73rd Independence Day this year, we bring to you the unique ways in which you can celebrate Independence Day.
Visit a national landmark or historical site
Such is the great history of the land that no matter which place you live in, you will find places of historical importance near you. Try to schedule a visit to one such place this Independence day. Read up on the history of the place if you do not know about it already.
If you happen to know it, make sure you explain it to younger members of your family. If you have children, try to go out to a national landmark that holds significance in terms of India’s freedom struggle.
Host a pan Indian meal
Talking of the Indian identity, one cannot miss our culinary delights. In our fast-paced world, we often end up eating junk food or easy-to-prepare home-cooked meals. As most of you will not be going to work on the 15th of August, you can plan an Indian meal that day.
From starters to desserts, try to include as many regions in your platter as you possibly can. There is a lot to experiment with here and we are sure that you will enjoy the preparation of the meal as much as you will relish the food. To make this activity all the more fun, invite your friends and family over for the meal.
Visit an NGO or charitable trust
Do not forget the fact that the Independence that we enjoy has been at the cost of the sacrifices of others. To honour that, it will be a good idea to go to a nearby charitable organization and serve those who are needy. The choice of NGO or charitable organization is totally up to you and you may for anything from an orphanage to an old age home. Also, you may either choose to volunteer or make monetary contributions while spending your Independence Day with them.
Prepare an Independence Day CD
These days preparing CDs for any special occasion is in vogue and there is no reason why Independence Day should be any different. Pick out your favourite patriotic songs and make them a CD. Then, pack the CD in a tricolour ribbon pack and gift it to your near and dear ones. Not only will you have a lot of fun in preparing this, the person who gets the gift will also be elated. It will remind them of their national duty and bring out the patriotism in them ensuring that the cycle goes on.
Read the Constitution
One of the biggest drawbacks of this country is the fact that a major chunk of its population is unaware of their constitutional rights and duties. One of the finest ways of doing that is pledging to read the Constitution this 15th of August. If you do not have a physical copy handy, there is no need for you to worry. You may go to the nearest library or read it online. It will be a good idea to read parts of the Constitution aloud to your family. You can then discuss what that means for you. This is one of the finest ways of doing justice to your nation.
Dress up in Independence Day T-shirt
The conventional dressing for Independence Day dictates that one must wear ethnic clothing in shades of saffron, green or white. You can give that a miss this Independence Day and turn up in graphic tees with Independence Day imprints on them. There are many designs available and you make your pick on which one to choose and wear your heart out. You may choose an Independence Day tee design for the family and get everyone to wear the same thing (and look at the team you are).
Read up historical fiction
If you are someone who would rather curl up to a good book on a holiday, you can honour Independence Day in your style. Pick up a historical fiction related to Independence Day and spend your time over it. The Great Indian Novel by Shashi Tharoor, Train to Pakistan by Khushwanth Singh and the Devil’s Wind by Manohar Malgonkar are some of the most popular books in this genre. Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children is another such book.
We understand that none of the methods discussed above would have been in your idea of Independence Day celebration. But, is you look into it, the essence of patriotism is there in each of them. Isn’t that what this day is all about? As much as we love and respect the flag hoisting and the singing of the National anthem, this is new India and we should not be satisfied with just that.
As the pages of history turn and a new chapter of independent India is written, here’s wishing you a very happy Independence Day in advance.
