15th August marks the Independence Day in India, a day to rejoice the independent India. It is not just a national holiday, it is our holiday. The whole country is lighten up in the aura of freedom. The festival is celebrated with flair and style. There are many interesting ways to celebrate this ‘Golden Day’.

A few simple ideas to indulge in the fragrance of 15th August:

Host your own saffron, white and green decoration explosion: Decorate your home in patriotic colours. It is time to show the meaning of this glorious day in the honour of our great country. Make a nice atmosphere with some specific Independence Day decoration ideas which give some fantastic inspiration and remind everyone of that great day. The shades of saffron, white and green are the traditional essence of 15th August. You can make a number of home décor items symbolising patriotism. You can try making Indian flag banners, 15th August wreath, tri-wrapped bottles, 15th August mason jars etc. to decorate various corners of your house. Place tricolour cushions on the chairs. Do flower arrangements using saffron marigolds, white marigolds and mango leaves to give an authentic patriotic hue to your house.

Plan a picnic with family or friends having tricolour theme: Picnics are affordable, easy to plan and can be a great Independence Day pastime that you can enjoy with family and friends. Saffron, white and green are the perfect colour scheme for a 15th August family picnic. Food, dressing and game ideas should complement for this fabulous day. It can be a picnic where everyone can pretend to be a kid irrespective of their age. So head to a park and eat that extra piece of Independence Day special cake. Pack your baskets with tricolour foods (fruits, salads, sandwiches and desserts) having saffron, white and green hues, dress up in these three colours, carry all your tricolour beverages and be on your way to the picnic spot.

Organise a kite flying competition for your dear ones if you have a terrace or an open garden at home: Kite flying has always been a major part of Independence Day celebrations since India got its freedom in 1947. Certainly, kite flying has an epitome with freedom because when a kite soars high and reaches the unbound sky, it gives a feeling of success as well as freedom. The spirit of freedom can scale colourful heights in the sky by way of kite flying. You can organise a day long or an evening event at your terrace or open garden where all your family members and friends can come together and fly kites to celebrate this unique day. This event can also provide the opportunity to showcase every one’s talent, skills and love for the nation. Once its dusk time, it means it’s time to get on your terrace and prepare for kite flying. Use tricolour or multi-colour kites to revitalise the free sky of the country. You can play patriotic songs to give a kick to the indulgence in the festivity mood more passionately. Arrange a few fun activities for kids and others who are not involved in kite flying.

Invite your loved ones for an interesting brunch or lunch at home and watch a patriotic movie with them: Grab some popcorn and why not watch a movie with loved ones at home. The patriotic choices are festive, plus kids and adults alike, will love them. Watch something that says ‘India’. Few movies on India’s freedom to watch include Mother India, 1942 A Love Story, Lagaan, Border, Rang De Basanti, The Legend of Bhagat Singh, Mangal Pandey and so on. These films are a great watch to know the struggles of our freedom fighters. Plan for a great brunch or an interesting lunch before or after the movie.

Make a programme to watch Delhi, the capital of India: Delhi is a treat to watch on Independence Day. Preparations for the Independence Day festival in Delhi begins a month in advance. All the major roads are festooned with tricolour flags. Buildings having national importance are bedecked and illuminated. The Prime minister of the country addresses the nation after hoisting the national flag at the Red Fort. The celebrations in Delhi start in the morning and continue throughout the day till evening. Red Fort, Raj Ghat and India Gate are some of the many places to spend some leisure time while watching the great patriotic structure.

Though it is one of the few special days when we celebrate independence on a large scale, we should celebrate freedom in our day to day lives with the same zeal. Independence should come in every sense for individuals. We all should be free from caste, creed, race, religion, regional differences, gender discrimination etc. Come together and eradicate all these issues with unity and enjoy independence in all true senses.

Happy Independence Day 2019!