Indian Independence Day

Flag raising!

On August 15, 2011 India celebrated its 65th Independence Day.   This is the day in 1947 that India attained freedom from the British rule.   Most places are closed, just like July 4th in the US.  Tho, here in India, if you work and are not on the list of business's that are allowed, you can be fined by the government.  It is a very special day here in India.  Families get together and celebrate.  Minus the Hamburgers and Hot Dogs!

The most important part of the day is the flag raising!  The flag has to be raised after dawn and lowered before dusk.  Dave and I went to the flag raising here at the hotel.  It was very surprising to only see one other couple attend!  (other than ALL the hotel staff).  Every one gathered around the flag pole.



Guard checking time of ceremony



Waiting on ceremony to start

 

Hotel staff at ceremony



Chef and staff




Security staff




Dave watching ceremony start

The security people from the hotel were all lined up.  As in the military there was a commander in front giving orders. They marched in place, saluted and shouted out the commands.  The flag was then raised by the manager's of the hotel and the National Anthem was sung, along with a flag raising song.  It was a very moving ceremony.  I know I am a bit hormonal and home sick but it really touched me to see the devotion the people in attendance have for their country.  Once the ceremony was over sweets were served.  Because I was the American taking pictures, I was honored with the first sweet.  I truly did feel honored.




Flag raised by managers




Staff saluting flag





Commander of security




Managers saluting flag
























Security during flag raising

 A few facts about the Indian flag and ceremony.  The flag is orange, white and green.  It must be made of a natural fabric.  Usually cotton.  The rope used for the ceremony must also be cotton.  No synthetics are allowed.  The area around the flag pole is decorated with drawings called Rangoli.  The drawings are made by hand using crushed rise powder or crushed lime stone.  The dye is all natural from spices and flowers.  Usually vibrant colors!  The important aspect of Rangoli painting is not to have a gap any where in your art.  It is said evil will enter the tiniest gap.  As you can see, the swastika is used in Indian art.  In India the swastika symbol means "Life is Good", "Prosperity, Good Health, Good Luck".  The proper spelling in Sanskrit is svastika, there is no W in Sanskrit.  Sanskrit is an historical indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.  The swastica symbol here in India is positioned clock wise and tilted a tiny bit to the left.  The girl decorating made the swastica on the left going counter clock wise, so...  they used it as a decoration.  Tho---  in some Indian cultures they do use the swastika going to the left.  More about that another time.  They also use lots of fresh flowers for decorating. Looks and smells beautiful.


Manager and his family (daughter is girl scout)




Rangoli art work

We missed Independence Day at home.  There is nothing like a good old 4th of July picnic with burgers, hot dogs, potato salad and especially fire works!!  But...  I think this is one Independence Day we will always remember!