India will celebrate its 78th Independence Day on August 15. The national holiday serves as a poignant reminder of the hardships and sacrifices made by our freedom fighters. The long-awaited freedom came after countless people fought valiantly for India’s Independence from the 200-year-long colonial British rule. On August 15, 1947, the British colonists finally left India, dividing the nation into two independent states—India and Pakistan.
However, do you know that five other nations celebrate their independence on August 15 in addition to India?
South Korea and North Korea
Known as National Liberation Day of Korea, this day marks Korea’s independence from 35 years of Japanese colonial rule since 1945. The day is also known as ‘Gwangbokjeol,’ which means the Time of the Restoration of Light. After getting freedom from Japanese forces, independent Korean governments were formed three years later.
Bahrain
The country gained independence from the United Kingdom on August 15, 1971. It was one of the first Gulf states to discover oil and build a refinery in 1931. In the same year, Britain and the Ottoman government signed a treaty recognising the country’s independence, but it remained under British administration. After declaring independence in 1971, the nation signed a friendship treaty with the British. August 14 is said to be the date of independence, however, the country observes August 15 as its Independence Day.
Republic of the Congo
Also called the ‘Congolese National Day’, the Republic of the Congo achieved full freedom from France on August 15, 1960. This was exactly 80 years after it came under French rule. It was a Marxist-Leninist state from 1969 to 1992, and multi-party elections have been held since then.
Liechtenstein
The sixth smallest nation in the world gained its independence from Germany on August 15, 1866. The day has been celebrated as National Day in Liechtenstein since 1940 with a traditional fireworks ceremony. The huge celebrations are attended by thousands of Liechtenstein citizens, followed by the State Act conducted on the front lawn of Vaduz Castle. It includes speeches by the Prince and the President of the Parliament.
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