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Independence Day 2026 : India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2026. On this day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the tricolor flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort. Many people often ask why Independence Day is celebrated on August 15. Why did the country get independence on August 15? Is there any particular reason behind this?

On February 20, 1947, the then Prime Minister of Britain, Clement Attlee, made a historic announcement, stating that the British government would hand over power to India by June 30, 1948. As a result, India’s independence was expected to happen in mid-1948.

In 1942, the country launched the Quit India Movement against British rule

However, the situation in the country was not at all good at that time. Labor movements, rebellions and growing public discontent forced the British government to step down 10 months earlier. The country was uniting under the leadership of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Azad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Subhash Chandra Bose. In 1942, the country launched the Quit India Movement against British rule. This movement opened a front against the British rule. By the end of World War II, the country was united against British rule. Given all this, the British government realized that it would not be possible to continue ruling India for long.

In 1947 Lord Louis Mountbatten was appointed as the last Viceroy of the country

Meanwhile, in March 1947, Lord Louis Mountbatten was appointed as the last Viceroy of India. He was tasked with ensuring a smooth transition of power in India. He had about a year and a half to complete this task. However, given the rapidly deteriorating situation in the country, Mountbatten realized that further delay in completing the transfer of power could worsen the situation.

In July 1947, the British Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act

Meanwhile, on June 3, 1947, the British government planned to divide India into two parts: India and Pakistan. This decision was accepted by Congress and Muslim League. In July 1947, the British Parliament passed the Indian Independence Act, which stipulated that India and Pakistan would become independent countries on August 15, 1947. For your information, Lord Mountbatten decided to declare independence on August 15.

One of the main reasons for this decision was that, on August 15, 1945, the Japanese army surrendered to the Allied Powers. At that time this day was celebrated as Victory over Japan Day. This was also a major achievement in Mountbatten’s military career.