While India celebrates Independence Day on August 15, some areas of West Bengal honour the occasion three days later, on August 18. The unusual tradition is linked to the confusion surrounding the Partition of British India in 1947 and a last-minute change to the boundary between India and Pakistan. Read on to know more.
Parts Of West Bengal Celebrated Independence Day On August 18
As per a report by News18, parts of Nadia and Malda were formerly placed in East Pakistan, which is now Bangladesh, before a correction to the boundary brought them into Indian territory.
Following the Partition in 1947, the Boundary Commission was assigned to draw the borders between the newly created nations of India and Pakistan. British lawyer Sir Cyril Radcliffe was appointed to demarcate the boundaries.
According to historical accounts, several areas in Nadia were initially assigned to East Pakistan despite having predominantly Hindu populations. The choice created uncertainty among residents, who were unsure which country their homes would ultimately belong to.
Residents, leaders and influential families strongly opposed the proposed arrangement and launched protests against their areas being included in East Pakistan. The issue eventually reached Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of British India.
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Back then, Mountbatten reportedly ordered Radcliffe to review the disputed boundary. The revised map was made public on the night of August 17, 1947, after India had already celebrated its independence. The correction incorporated the disputed areas of Nadia and parts of Malda into Indian territory. The reports suggest that the Pakistani flag had been hoisted in some locations before the revised boundary was announced. Following the adjustment, the Pakistani flags were removed, and the Indian Tricolour was hoisted on August 18. For residents of these areas, August 18 therefore became associated with the day their territorial identity was formally established as part of India.
August 18 Holds A Unique Historical Importance In West Bengal
The unusual observance is not an alternative national Independence Day but a local custom rooted in the events surrounding Partition and the delayed announcement of the final boundary.
Residents in these parts of West Bengal have continued to commemorate August 18 as an important day in their local history. The tradition has reportedly been observed since 1991, with people celebrating the occasion by hoisting the Tricolour and remembering the events that determined their region’s place within India.
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Thus, while August 15 remains India’s Independence Day, August 18 holds a unique historical importance for these border communities in West Bengal.
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FAQs
Is 15 August 1947 the first Independence Day?
Yes, August 15, 1947, is the date of India's very first Independence Day.
Who divided Bengal in 1947?
The partition of Bengal in 1947 was decided by the Bengal Legislative Assembly vote on June 20, 1947, under the Mountbatten Plan.
What is West Bengal's old name?
West Bengal did not have a single separate name before independence; it was the western part of the unified historic province of Bengal under British rule.