Independence Day 2023: Is it the 76th or 77th I-Day celebration, here's all you need to know

Every year on August 15, people across India celebrate Independence Day to commemorate the country’s independence from British colonial rule. As 2023 Independence Day draws closer, there is confusion about whether this year will mark the 76th or 77th Independence Day celebration. The confusion has captured the curiosity of many people and the query stems from the uncertainty surrounding the mathematical calculation of the anniversary of Independence Day.

India's struggle for independence culminated with the birth of a sovereign nation on August 15, 1947, marking the end of British rule after nearly two centuries. Following this, the first anniversary of Independence Day took place on August 15, 1948. By that calculation, it would mark the 76th year of independence in 2023.

However, the contrary view is that 1947 was actually the first year of independence and the first Independence Day was celebrated on 15 August 1947, making this year the 77th celebration. As both arguments stand valid by applying different logic, the majority seems to favour commemorating the 77th Independence Day, which marks 1947 as the first year of India's Independence, while many seem confused with these divergent opinions.