15th August: Countries who share their Independence Day with India

We remember 15th August as the day when India got its independence from the Imperial British rule. But there are other countries, who achieved their independence on the same day. Let us take a look at those nations who share the joy and jubilation of freedom along with India.

National Day in Liechtenstein

The 15 August is National Day in Liechtenstein. It has been celebrated since 1940 and is closely connected to the birthday of Prince Franz-Josef II on 16 August. Every year the Principality's citizens and their guests look forward to the spectacular firework display that closes the National Day festivities.

On 15 August, Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein plays host to a huge celebration attended by thousands of Liechtenstein citizens and guests from many countries. The National Day begins with the State Act held on the lawn in front of Vaduz Castle, including speeches by the Prince and the president of the parliament. The people are then invited to a reception with drinks in the gardens of the castle. National Day is the only day of the year when the gardens are open to the general public. The Princely Family is also present at this reception and enjoys chatting with those present.

There were two main reasons for establishing the National Day on 15 August. The first reason was that it was already a bank holiday. The second reason was that the Reigning Prince at the time, Prince Franz Josef II, celebrated his birthday on 16 August. Therefore, it was decided to celebrate the National Day on 15 August as a combination of the Feast of the Assumption and the reigning prince's birthday. It was established as the official national day by a law passed in 1990.

Photo credit: Royalwatcherblog.com

Bahrain Independence Day

Bahrain declared independence from the British rule following a United Nations survey of the Bahraini population on 15th August 1971. The British announced the withdrawal of their troops in the east of Suez in the early 1960s.

Bahrain signed a friendship treaty with the British that terminated previous agreements between the two sides.

Although 14 August is the actual date on which Bahrain gained its independence from the British, the kingdom does not celebrate or mark that date. Instead, the state annually celebrates 16 December as National Day, to coincide with the day that former ruler Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa ascended to the throne. As such, 16 December is a national holiday and is usually celebrated with firework displays.

Photo credit: Geoexpro.com

Republic of Congo, or Congo-Brazzaville (Not to be confused with Democratic Republic of Congo)

The area north of the Congo River came under French rule in 1880 as a result of Pierre de Brazza's treaty with King Makoko of the Bateke and came to be known as Middle Congo in 1903. In 1908, France organized French Equatorial Africa (AEF), comprising Middle Congo, Gabon, Chad, and Oubangui-Chari (the modern Central African Republic) and made Brazzaville the capital.

Congo benefited from the postwar expansion of colonial administrative and infrastructure spending as a result of its central geographic location within AEF and the federal capital at Brazzaville. It also received a local legislature after the adoption of the 1946 constitution that established the Fourth Republic.

Following the revision of the French constitution that established the Fifth Republic in 1958, the AEF dissolved into its constituent parts, each of which became an autonomous colony within the French Community. The election of Fulbert Youlou, the first black mayor elected in French Equatorial Africa resulted in a series of riots in Brazzaville in February 1959, which the French army subdued.

New elections took place on April 1959. By the time the Congo became independent in August 1960, Opangault, the former opponent of Youlou, agreed to serve under him. Youlou became the first President of the Republic of the Congo. Since the political tension was so high in Pointe-Noire, Youlou moved the capital to Brazzaville.

The Republic of the Congo received full independence from France on 15 August 1960.

Photo credit: Wikipedia

National Liberation Day of Korea

The National Liberation Day of Korea is a holiday celebrated annually on August 15 in both North and South Korea. It commemorates the 'Victory over Japan Day', the day when Imperial Japan surrendered in the Second World War and the U.S. and Soviet forces ended the decades-long Japanese occupation of Korea. It is notable for being the only Korean public holiday celebrated by both North and South Korea.

On 5 August 2015, the North Korean government decided to return to UTC+08:30, effective from 15 August 2015, and said the official name would be Pyongyang Time or (PYT). The government of North Korea made this decision as a break from 'imperialism'; the time zone change went into effect on the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Korea.

In South Korea, many activities and events take place on the holiday, including an official ceremony attended by the President of the Republic either at the Independence Hall of Korea in Cheonan or at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts.

All buildings and homes are encouraged to display the South Korean national flag Taegukgi. Not only are most public museums and places open free of charge to the descendants of independence activists on the holiday, but they can also travel on both public transport and intercity trains for free.

Photo credit: Wikipedia.org