 Independence Day , observed annually on 15 August is a national holiday in India commemorating the nation 's independence from the British Empire on 15 August 1947 . India attained independence following an Independence Movement noted for largely nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience led by the Indian National Congress ( INC ) . Independence coincided with the partition of India , in which the British Indian Empire was divided along religious lines into two sovereign states, a secular India and a majority Muslim Pakistan . The Independence Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour throughout India , with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades and the lighting of bonfires across the