Countries Where Indian Independence Day Is Celebrated Officially or Publicly

internationalexhibitions

1 day ago

Yogesh kumar (Yogi)
25 July 2025

internationalexhibitions

Countries Where Indian Independence Day Is Celebrated Officially or Publicly

🇺🇸 United States of America

Official proclamations in several U.S. states and cities (like New York, New Jersey, Illinois)
Empire State Building in NYC lights up in tricolor

Countries Where Indian Independence Day Is Celebrated Officially or Publicly 12

Parades in New York City (India Day Parade by FIA), Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, and Houston
State governors often issue official Independence Day messages
Community-led flag hoisting at Indian Consulates

Countries Where Indian Independence Day Is Celebrated Officially or Publicly 13

🇨🇦 Canada

Celebrated in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa
CN Tower and Niagara Falls are lit in tricolor
Supported by Members of Parliament and Premiers
Flag hoisting ceremonies at Indian High Commission and consulates

Countries Where Indian Independence Day Is Celebrated Officially or Publicly 14

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Large celebrations in London (Trafalgar Square), Leicester, Birmingham, and Manchester
UK Parliament members often participate
Tricolor lights at buildings like London Eye in previous years
Flag hoisting at the Indian High Commission in London

Countries Where Indian Independence Day Is Celebrated Officially or Publicly 15

🇦🇺 Australia

Celebrated in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth
Indian tricolor projected on public buildings in some cities
Flag hoisting at Indian Consulates
Recognized by local city councils and community organizations

Countries Where Indian Independence Day Is Celebrated Officially or Publicly 16

🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

Huge Indian expat population in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah
Celebrations include parades, cultural shows, and fireworks
Burj Khalifa often lights up with the Indian flag
Indian Embassy and Consulate events are heavily attended

Countries Where Indian Independence Day Is Celebrated Officially or Publicly 17

🇸🇬 Singapore

Official and community celebrations with performances and flag hoisting
Large Indian-origin population
Active support from local cultural organizations and diplomatic entities

🇲🇺 Mauritius

Indian Independence Day is celebrated with great reverence
Cultural ties and historic Indian migration
Flag hoisting, official government participation

🇿🇦 South Africa

Celebrated in Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town
Supported by Indian High Commission and cultural societies
Flag hoisting and cultural festivals

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Celebrated in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch
Local councils participate in cultural events
Indian community-led parades and flag hoisting

🇫🇷 France

Celebrated in Paris and other cities with Indian diaspora
Flag hoisting at Indian Embassy
Public events, tricolor decorations in Indian areas

🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago

Indian diaspora-led celebrations
Cultural events, religious ceremonies, and flag hoisting

🏛️ U.S. States & Cities with Official Recognition

New York: Annual proclamation; NYC India Day Parade is the largest outside India
New Jersey: Edison and Jersey City host major events
Illinois: Chicago Parade; State proclamations
Texas: Events in Dallas, Houston
California: San Francisco, Fremont, and Los Angeles celebrations
Georgia: Atlanta hosts large-scale community parades
Massachusetts: Boston celebrates with official support
Florida: Tampa, Orlando community events

1. United States – Washington D.C. & Beyond

History & Recognition
Since 1971, the Embassy of India in Washington D.C. has hosted an annual Independence Day flag-hoisting at India House, attended by diplomats, Indian‑Americans, and U.S. officials. In 2025, the celebration marks the 78th anniversary of India’s freedom.

Special Functions

Flag‑Hoisting Ceremony at India House (Washington, D.C.): Ambassador’s address, national anthem, followed by Indian and American cultural performances.
Community Reception & Cultural Program: Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and local Indian associations stage classical dance, music recitals, and poetry readings.
State Proclamations: Governors of Maryland, Virginia, and New York issue official “India Day” proclamations, encouraging public participation.

2. Canada – Ottawa, Toronto & Vancouver

History & Recognition
The High Commission of India in Ottawa began formal India Day celebrations. Provinces like Ontario and British Columbia routinely light government buildings in saffron‑white‑green, and the CN Tower has been tri‑color illuminated on August 15 .

Special Functions

Flag‑Raising at Embassy Grounds (Ottawa): Ambassador’s speech, invocation of “Vande Mataram,” and reception.
Toronto India Day Parade (Yorkville): Cultural floats, folk dances, and food stalls, organized by the Consulate General of India Toronto.
Vancouver India Fair (Stanley Park): Music concerts, yoga sessions, and art exhibitions under the “Festival of India” banner.

3. United Kingdom – London & Leicester

History & Recognition
The High Commission of India in London has marked August 15 since 2010, first in the High Commission foyer and, since 2010, with a flag‑hoisting centered on India House at Aldwych . The Mayor of London also features India in South Asian Heritage Month (July 18–Aug 17).

Special Functions

India Day at India House: Ambassador’s flag‑hoisting, followed by a reception featuring Indian classical music (sitar, tabla) and dance (Kathak).
Trafalgar Square Cultural Showcase: City Hall‑organized concert and family “India Village” with food trucks and artisan stalls.
Leicester Community Festival: One of Europe’s largest Indian Independence Day street fairs, with Bhangra competitions and Bollywood screenings.

4. Australia – Sydney & Melbourne

History & Recognition
Since 2008, the Consulate General of India in Sydney has celebrated August 15 at the consulate premises and, from 2015, at Town Hall, reflecting India‑Australia ties. Victoria’s government issues annual India Day proclamations.

Special Functions

Town Hall Flag‑Hoisting (Sydney): Ambassador’s address, followed by a cultural evening featuring Indian dances (Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi) and a “Taste of India” food festival.
Melbourne Federation Square Event: Flag ceremony and live telecast of India’s national festivities in New Delhi.
Community Sporting Events: Cricket matches and yoga marathons organized by the Indian‑Australian Association.

5. United Arab Emirates – Dubai & Abu Dhabi

History & Recognition
With over 3 million Indian expatriates, UAE has hosted formal Independence Day events since 1980. The Consulate General of India in Dubai and Embassy in Abu Dhabi coordinate these under the patronage of the Ministry of External Affairs.

Special Functions

Flag‑Hoisting at Consulate (Dubai): Ambassador’s speech, guard of honour by Indian armed forces veterans, and national film screenings.
Burj Khalifa Light Show: Government of Dubai’s annual light projection of the Indian tricolor on Burj Khalifa (since 2017).
Cultural Carnival at Expo City: Indian dance troupes, Bollywood DJ nights, and a large food pavilion featuring regional cuisines.

6. Singapore – Singapore City

History & Recognition
The High Commission of India in Singapore has held Independence Day programs at its Tanglin Road premises since 1950. The Singaporean government extends official support via the Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth.

Special Functions

High Commission Flag Ceremony: Ambassador-led hoisting, followed by cultural performances on the lawn.
Little India Cultural Street Festival: Collaborating with the National Arts Council, features Indian classical and fusion music, craft markets, and heritage walks.
Singapore Flyer Tricolor Show: The iconic Ferris wheel is bathed in saffron, white, and green lights in the evening.

7. South Africa – Pretoria & Durban

History & Recognition
India’s strong diaspora ties in South Africa led the High Commission of India in Pretoria to formally celebrate Independence Day since 1995, with support from the Department of Arts & Culture.

Special Functions

Embassy Flag‑Hoisting (Pretoria): Ambassador’s address, patriotic choir performances, and South African‑Indian joint cultural showcase.
Durban India Fair: One of Africa’s largest, featuring flag‑hoisting at City Hall, followed by Bhangra workshops and “Taste of South Asia” food expo.

8. New Zealand

Celebrated in Auckland, Wellington.
Official flag hoisting and India fairs supported by city councils.

9. Mauritius

Deep historical links; Indian Independence Day celebrated with government support.
Joint India–Mauritius cultural programs.

10. Fiji

Indian diplomatic mission hosts official events.
Local Indian-origin population participates with folk celebrations.

India: Celebrates its independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.
South Korea: Celebrates Liberation Day (from Japanese occupation) on August 15, 1945.
North Korea: Also celebrates Liberation Day (from Japanese occupation) on August 15, 1945.
Bahrain: Celebrates independence from British rule on August 15, 1971.
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Celebrates independence from Belgian rule on August 15, 1960.
Liechtenstein: While the specific circumstances of their independence on August 15 are less clear, they do celebrate their national holiday on this date.