68 years of independence! We have two days that are celebrated as "national days". August 15, 1947 is Liberation Day and January 26, 1948 we got our own constitution.
If you want to learn more about the liberation war and the history behind it, I can recommend the Bollywood film Lagaan .
India is a country that is different from north to south and east to west, not least from state to state. This applies to food, culture, language, even the way we dress. What binds us together is the flag Tiranga. India is the only country I know of where the flag has its own name and all Indian names have a meaning/signification. They don't say "the flag" but Tiranga which means tricolor.
Orange color at the top which represents patriotism, spirituality and symbolizes renunciation of the ego (that is why most “Sadhu” (holy men) wear orange clothes).
The white stripe in the middle represents peace and purity. A reminder that the nation's policies should be guided by knowledge and truth. The wheel in blue is Ashoka's (India's greatest king) chakra (wheel) as a symbol of growth and change on the wheel of time. A reminder that growth and progress are the key to national success, a call to "move forward" and not resist change and innovation. It is also said to represent a stripe for each state in India.
The green field reminds of harmony (between different ethnic groups and religions), prosperity and fertility. Not least, protecting Mother Earth from destruction and appreciating nature for a positive atmosphere and everything that "breathes" (even trees and plants are celebrated).
India is the only country I know that has public holidays for the major religions on Diwali (Hindu), Eid (Islam), Christmas (December 25 and Good Friday Christianity), Guru Nanak Jayanti (Sikhism), Buddha Purnima (Buddhism) and Mahavir Jayanti (Jainism). 
The pictures are from a nice event at the Indian ambassador's house where Masalamagic, in collaboration with the ambassador, contributed food, chutneys and papadams to about 200 guests in celebration of India's Independence Day. 
Have a nice Saturday! Hope you're enjoying the sun now that it's finally here.
