In Photos: How India Celebrated Independence Day

Students hold a huge Indian flag as they perform a dance during the Independence Day celebrations in Hyderabad, India, Thursday.

(Photo: AP/Mahesh Kumar A)

India celebrated its 73rd Independence day on Thursday, 15 August. On this day, in 1947, the country wrested Its freedom from centuries-old British shackles.

Throughout India, parades and functions were held to celebrate the occasion, which happened to coincide with the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan this year. As is tradition, the Prime Minister delivered his address from the ramparts of the Red Fort in New Delhi.

Here are some photographs of the Independence Day celebrations:

Indian girls wearing tricolor bangles hold petals before perform a dance during the Independence Day celebrations in Hyderabad, India, Thursday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, center, wearing turban, greets school children after addressing the nation on the country’s Independence Day from the ramparts of Mughal-era Red Fort, in New Delhi, India, Thursday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, center in white, takes a joint military guard of honor before addressing the nation on the country’s Independence Day from the ramparts of Mughal-era Red Fort, in New Delhi, India, Thursday.

Indian students perform a dance during India’s Independence Day celebrations, in Jammu, India, on Thursday.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi seen after addressing the nation on the country’s Independence Day in New Delhi, India, Thursday.

Flower petals fall from a helicopter as Indian police personnel take part in India’s Independence Day celebrations in Gauhati, India, on Thursday.

Assamese Deori tribal women perform a traditional dance during the Independence Day celebrations in Gauhati, India, Thursday.

Indian paramilitary soldier stands guard near a temporary checkpoint on the road leading towards Independence Day parade venue during lockdown in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Thursday.