DUSHANBE, August 15, 2013, Asia-Plus -- Tajik President Emomali Rahmon has sent a message of congratulations to Indian President Pranab Mukherjee on the occasion of the Independence Day of India, the Tajik president’s official website reports.

In his message, Emomali Rahmon, in particular, noted, “It gives me great pleasure to congratulate you, the government and friendly people of India on the occasion of Independence Day of your country.”

Tajik leader expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and India will expand in the future as well.

Independence Day, observed annually on August 15, is a national holiday in India commemorating the nation''s independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.  India attained freedom following an independence movement noted for largely nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience led by the Indian National Congress (INC). Independence coincided with the partition of India, in which the British Indian Empire was divided along religious lines into the Dominions of India and Pakistan.

Independence Day, one of the three national holidays in India (the other two being the Republic Day on January 26 and Mahatma Gandhi''s birthday on October 2), is observed in all Indian states and union territories.  On the eve of Independence Day, the President of India delivers the “Address to the Nation.”  On August 15, the prime minister hoists the Indian flag on the ramparts of the historical site Red Fort in Delhi.  Twenty-one gun shots are fired in honor of the solemn occasion.  In his speech, the prime minister highlights the past year''s achievements, raises important issues and calls for further development. He pays tribute to the leaders of the freedom struggle.  The Indian national anthem, "Jana Gana Mana" is sung.  The speech is followed by march past of divisions of the Indian Army and paramilitary forces.  Parades and pageants showcase scenes from the freedom struggle and India''s diverse cultural traditions.  Similar events take place in state capitals where the Chief Ministers of individual states unfurl the national flag, followed by parades and pageants.