India became independent from British rule at 12:00 midnight, overlapping the end of August 14 and the start of August 15. The date was selected by the British government and the last Viceroy of India, Lord Louis Mountbatten. He chose August 15 because it was the second anniversary of Japan's surrender to the Allied powers in 1945, which he considered personally significant.
India and Pakistan celebrate their Independence Days just one day apart, with India on August 15 and Pakistan on August 14. Two countries were created out of the same British Indian empire. So, how did the two countries end up with different Independence Days and why was August 15 chosen in the first place? The dates are closely linked to the Partition of British India in 1947, when two independent dominions emerged from the end of British colonial rule. Found it interesting? Keep on reading to know more.
Why India celebrates August 15?
India celebrates Independence Day on August 15. In 2026, the country is set to celebrate the 80th Independence Day on Saturday. India became independent from British rule at 12:00 midnight, overlapping the end of August 14 and the start of August 15.
The date was selected by the British government and the last Viceroy of India, Lord Louis Mountbatten. He chose August 15 because it was the second anniversary of Japan's surrender to the Allied powers in 1945, which he considered personally significant.
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