Indian Independence Day 2015 in UK: London Indian Gymkhana Club celebrations; AR Rahman concert at O2 and more
Enthusiastic organizations such as the Indian Gymkhana Club in London, UK Indian associations, High Commission's Office and consulates in Britain held traditional Independence Day celebrations including flag hoisting, cultural programmes and even free Indian food.
While India marked 15th August 2015 with formal celebrations and patriotism-themed events across the country, NRIs and Indian Diaspora in the UK were not far behind in holding up the tradition to celebrate Independence Day with equal pomp and exuberance. UK Indians joined the salute selfies hashtag to pay tribute to the Indian Army - the #saluteselfies sees Indian icons including Shah Rukh Khan and Sania Mirza post Salute selfies on their Twitter handles.
Indian Independence Day Celebration on Sunday 16th August 2015 at Indian Gymkhana Club in Osterley – Free event for all ages
Every year, one of the most prominent Indian Independence Day celebrations is marked by the London's Indian Gymkhana Club where more than 6000 people, mostly UK Indians come together to mark the occasion.
The Indian Gymkhana Club London hosted the official Indian Independence event along with the High Commission of India. Free for all, the open event on Sunday, August 16, 2015, took NRIs, Indian Diaspora and even friends of India closer to their home country.
The event included a Flag Hoisting Ceremony at 11am, followed by singing of the National Anthem.
The celebrations also included cultural programmes, Bollywood song-and-dance, food stalls offering free meals from different regions of India, and a raffle draw.
AR Rahman's greatest hits performance on August 15th at London's iconic The O2 Arena
Indians' most beloved music maestro and the double Grammy and double Oscar, BAFTA and Golden Globe winner, AR Rahman performed his greatest hits live on Indian Independence Day in London. It marked AR Rahman's return to The O2 after five years, with a one off greatest hits show on Saturday, 15 August 2015 from 7.30 pm.
AR Rahman was joined by very special guests including; Neeti Mohan, Javed Ali, Karthik, Haricharan, Jonita Gandhi and Hriday Gattani.
Edinburgh Consulate General of India – Independence Celebrations
All members of the Indian community, people of Indian origin along with their family members and friends of India were invited to celebrate the 69th Independence Day of India on Saturday, 15th August, 2015 at 8.45am at the Consulate General of India, 17 Rutland Square, Edinburgh, for the flag hoisting. Consul General Oscar Kerketta hoisted the National Flag and read out the President's message on the occasion at 9am.
Independence Day Celebrations in Cardiff
In Wales, the Indian Independence was held on Saturday, 15th August at the majestic Mansion House in Cardiff. The Honorary Consul for India in Wales, Raj Aggarwal, hoisted the National flag at 11am and read out key messages. This was followed by a speech by the Lord Major of Cardiff, Cllr David Walker, singing of the National Anthem, and morning refreshments.
The high-profile event was attended by government officials, the Lord Lieutenant, the High Sheriff, the Deputy Presiding Officer at the National Assembly, business leaders and Indian diaspora. Also, an RAF band provided an ensemble to support the singing of the National anthem and perform as part of the celebrations to mark the Independence day.
Maharashtra Mandal London Independence Day Celebrations
Another free entry event, Maharashtra Mandal London celebrated the Indian Independence Day with a special surprise chief guest. The celebration included lighting a lamp, flag hoisting, singing of national anthem and patriotic songs, speeches and snack breaks and networking. The event was on Saturday, August 15, 2015 from 4pm to 7pm.
Manchester Indian Association Indian Independence Celebrations
Like every year, this year too Manchester Indian Association hosted an evening to mark the Indian Independence on Saturday, August 15 from 7pm to 9.30pm. This year's theme was focused on celebrating the Freedom heroes and builders of modern India.
The ticket costs were £5 for adults (£6 if bought at the door) and £3 for children between 6 and 12 years of age. There was also vegetarian food on sale.
Raveena Tandon and Manoj Bajpai's short film paying tribute to India's freedom fighters:
If you have any events/celebrations to mark Indian Independence Day, please let us know at [email protected].
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