From Tricolour Meals To Swadesi Products, 6 Best Ways To Celebrate Independence Day This Year

Independence Day comes around every year on 15th August, but it’s so much more than just a date on the calendar. It’s the day when we remember how far we’ve come as a country. For many of us, the day starts with watching the flag hoisting, singing the national anthem, or catching a patriotic parade on TV. But you don’t have to limit yourself to traditional celebrations. This 15th August, why not make the celebration personal? Here are a few ideas that will not only make you feel connected to the country’s history but also let you celebrate Independence Day 2025 in small, meaningful, and memorable ways.

Best Ways To Celebrate Independence Day

1. A Tricolour Meal

Instead of just looking at the tricolour, why not taste it too? This year, turn your kitchen into a mini celebration of India’s colours. You could start with paneer tikka for the orange, follow it with idiyappam or rice, and end with something fresh and green like palak paneer. For dessert, layer a mousse with mango, banana, and kiwi to make your own edible tiranga. And even if cooking isn’t your thing, many restaurants offer special menus on Independence Day, perfect to celebrate with your loved ones.

2. A Crash Course In Freedom Fighters

We all know the big names of freedom fighters like Gandhi, Nehru, and Bhagat Singh. But India’s freedom struggle was a story written by thousands of lesser-known heroes whose courage can still give you goosebumps. This Independence Day, make it a point to know them. Read short articles, watch quick YouTube documentaries, or join an online heritage talk. Learn about Kanaklata Barua, the teenage girl from Assam who became a symbol of defiance, or Matangini Hazra, the elderly woman who walked into British gunfire holding the flag.

3. Getaway To Historic Destinations

If the long weekend gives you the chance, pack your bags and take a trip to India’s freedom history. Visit the Red Fort in Delhi to stand where generations of leaders have spoken to the nation. Walk silently through Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar or explore the Cellular Jail in the Andamans. Heritage walks are a great way to discover them and feel a connection to the past on Independence Day.

Also Read: With 96% Indians Travelling More In 2025, Skyscanner Lists The Top Independence Day Getaways

4. Watching A Patriotic Movie

Movies have a way of making us feel things more deeply, and patriotic films can make our hearts swell with pride. Celebrate this Independence Day with a movie night with friends or family. You could watch modern favourites like Raazi and Kesari or revisit classics like Rang De Basanti and Shaheed. You can make a whole day out of it, bringing out samosas and chai, and maybe even pausing to talk about what scenes mean to you. 

5. Wearing Homegrown Textiles

Skip donning the tricolour outfit this year. Instead, opt for something that is proudly Indian. Whether you’re wearing an ikat dress, a chanderi saree, or a simple khadi kurta, you will get to connect with India’s culture and heritage. Your Independence Day celebration will be more meaningful because every purchase supports the weavers and craftspeople who keep these crafts alive.

6. Swadesi Products

You can still live by the principles of the Swadeshi movement today. Take a look at the things you use daily and see if you can replace some with products made in India. You can choose Indian-brand spices, locally produced soaps, or stationery from a local company. 

Take a moment to celebrate, feel proud and keep the spirit of freedom alive this Independence Day.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva/ MikeDot and Canva/sarangib