Every year on August 15, India celebrates its Independence from British rule (1947) with the vibrant Tricolour, patriotic songs, and the Prime Minister’s speech from the Red Fort. But there are many lesser-known facts that make this day even more interesting.

1. Shared Independence: India shares its Independence Day with South Korea and Bahrain, though each became free in different years.

2. Anthem adopted later: Jana Gana Mana, written by Rabindranath Tagore decades earlier, became India’s official national anthem only on January 24, 1950.

3. Why August 15: Lord Mountbatten chose this date to match Japan’s surrender in World War II, symbolizing peace.

4. Independence was scheduled later: Freedom was originally planned for June 30, 1948, but political pressure brought it forward.

5. The flag’s charkha: The earliest Indian Tricolour had a charkha, honoring Gandhiji’s swadeshi movement, later replaced by the Ashoka Chakra.

6. First postage stamps: India released its first stamps in November 1947, featuring the national flag.

7. Flag hoisting ban: Before 2002, citizens could hoist the flag only on Independence Day and Republic Day.

These facts show that Independence Day is more than a date-it’s a journey of freedom, culture, and history that we continue to celebrate.