5 countries share their Independence Day with India. Find out

India celebrates its 76th Independence Day on August 15, 2021. In 1947, on this day, the country attained sovereignty from the British rule that lasted nearly two centuries. Like every year, the Indian President delivered her address on the eve of the D-day and the Prime Minister will deliver his speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15. 

However, India is not the only country that celebrates independence on August 15. There are five others:

Bahrain

Like India, Bahrain was also ruled by the British. It attained its freedom on August 15, 1971. Bahrain signed a friendship treaty with the British. While August 14 is said to be the actual date of independence, the nation recognizes August 15 as its Independence Day. However, the country does not celebrate its Independence Day on this date. Instead, it celebrates December 16 as National Day to mark the ascension of the late ruler Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa to the throne.

  Also read: Independence Day 2021: Famous quotes of freedom fighters

North Korea and South Korea

North and South Korea were one nation when annexed by Japan in 1910. It was at the end of World War 2, 1945, that the Japanese left Korea. The day, August 15, is annually celebrated as the National Liberation Day of Korea. 

In South Korea, the day is known as ‘Gwangbokjeol’ (meaning, “the day the light returned”), while in North Korea it is known as ‘Chogukhaebangŭi nal’ (meaning, “Liberation of the Fatherland Day).

  Also read: Railway minister shares pic of postage stamp issued in 1947 to celebrate independence

Liechtenstein

The National Day of Liechtenstein is celebrated on August 15 since 1940. The day was chosen since it was already a bank holiday -the Assumption of Mary. The ruling prince at the time, Prince Franz Josef II, was born on August 16. Therefore the events were combined. The celebration includes a traditional fireworks ceremony that takes place at 10 pm CEST. 

  Also read: Freedom at Midnight: Why August 15 was chosen as India’s Independence Day

Republic of Congo

The Republic of Congo received its complete independence from 80 years of French rule in 1960. They call it the ‘Congolese National Day’. It was a Marxist-Leninist state from 1969 to 1992 and has had multi-party elections since 1992.