Independence Day is observed in India every year on August 15 to mark its liberation from British colonial rule which occurred on August 15, 1947. However, India is not the only country that celebrates August 15 as their independence day. South Korea, North Korea, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Bahrain, and Liechtenstein also celebrate August 15 as a liberation day, independence day or national day.
While the historical backgrounds of these countries may be different, their celebration on the same day is what makes August 15 a significant day on the international calendar.
What Countries Celebrate Their Independence Day, Liberation Day or National Day on August 15 Like India?
There are five countries whose Independence Day, Liberation Day or National Day falls on August 15 apart from India.
1. India – Independence from Britain
India became an independent nation on August 15, 1947 when she attained freedom from the two centuries of British colonial rule.
In India, the Prime Minister of the nation hoists the National Flag at the Red Fort every year on August 15 and delivers a speech to the nation. Independence Day in India is celebrated through the hoisting of the National Flag and various patriotic activities.
2. South Korea – Liberation from Japan
Gwangbokjeol, which means “Restoration of Light Day” in South Korea is marked on August 15. The day marks the liberation of Korea from Japanese colonial rule in 1945 after Japan surrendered following World War II.
3. North Korea – Liberation from Japan
North Korea celebrates August 15 as their Liberation Day called Chogukhaebangui nal, which celebrates the liberation of Korea from Japanese imperialism in 1945.
As such, both North and South Korea have the same national day celebrated in August 15 due to the same reason, which is the liberation from Japanese imperialism.
4. Democratic Republic of Congo – Independence from France
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) became independent from France in August 15, 1960.
As such, the date becomes the Independence Day of DRC, and the independence of DRC was one of those events that marked the beginning of decolonization of Africa during the 20th century.
5. Bahrain – Independence from Britain
The official day of the independence of Bahrain from the United Kingdom was August 15, 1971.
However, the major national celebration in Bahrain takes place in December, and not August 15 as the celebrations are related to the modern period of the existence of the country and Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
6. Liechtenstein – National Day
August 15 is also a National Day in Liechtenstein. However, unlike in the case of India, South Korea, or DRC, the date is not directly connected with any independence day.
The National Day in Liechtenstein is a combination of national celebrations and religious observance of the Feast of the Assumption, and the celebration of the day began back in 1940.
Number of Nations that Gained Independence in 1947
In 1947, the Indian subcontinent experienced a historic period. India gained its independence on August 15, 1947, whereas Pakistan attained its independence on August 14, 1947.
The termination of the British colonial empire saw the emergence of two distinct dominions, namely India and Pakistan, through the Partition of British India. This led to one of the biggest migrations in recent history and much human suffering.
Why August 15 is an Important Date in History
The date of August 15 has historical significance to multiple liberation and nation-building processes. To India, it means the independence from British colonial rule, to Korea the liberation from Japanese imperialism, and to DRC the independence from French rule.
Thus, it clearly shows how a specific date can have entirely different historical significance to different countries.
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