India is celebrating its 77th Independence Day this year, from its liberation from imperialist British rule following a long-fought struggle for freedom.
The theme of this year’s Independence Day is “Nation First, Always First”, a part of “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” (Grand celebrations of Independence).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” in March 2021 during an event in Ahmedabad in Gujarat to commemorate 75 years of India's progressive and glorious history and honour the achievements of its people.
The motive of Mahotsav is to pay homage to all of the nation's freedom fighters and to honour the significant milestones of the independence movement.
As part of the customary celebrations, President Droupadi Murmu delivered the “Address to the Nation” on the eve of Independence Day on Monday.
On Tuesday morning, Modi hoisted the national flag from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort ahead of the public speech.
How Ordinary Indians Celebrate Independence Day
© Sputnik / Rahul Trivedi
Moreover, various activities are being organised by different government departments as well as private organisations to celebrate the day with much enthusiasm.
However, when it comes to the celebrations of the historical day, there are two aspects to it.
On one hand, we see ritzy buildings in the capital city decorated with tricolours and lighting, and the national flag flying atop buildings. On the other hand, there are people selling national flags on the streets trying to scrape together enough money to earn a living.
Ahead of Independence Day, Sputnik India toured the bustling streets of Delhi and spoke to some families who were selling the Indian tricolours on the streets to understand what independence means to them, how they survive peddling flags and other items, and what do they do to earn a living throughout the rest of the year, along with their daily struggles.
What Does Independence Mean to Ordinary Indians?
Days before India commemorates Independence Day, footpaths all along the lively streets of the national capital were seen occupied with makeshift shops decked up with flags, hand bands, caps, toys, and several other items all tricoloured.
These shops were put up by those who work as daily wageworkers or were not into any regular jobs.
With a hope of earning a livelihood, these street peddlers try to associate themselves with the sense of patriotism by selling the Independence Day wares.
“We are very proud of our country and independence means a lot to every one of us. We are selling the national flags along with several other items and people are buying them with much enthusiasm as patriotism sentiments are very high as it has been more than 75 years that we have been free from the colonial rule,” said 31-year-old Surendra who has put up a makeshift shop near Pragati Maidan area in the national capital.
When asked about how much he earns by selling the I-Day wares, he said that the price of one flag varies from INR 50 (4,029.10 cents) to INR 200 ($2.42) due to their sizes while items like pens, caps, hand bands and so forth are sold at the price of INR 50. Meanwhile, we sell some decorative items like paper weight and other things, at a price ranging from INR 100 to 300 ($1.21 – 3.63).
How Ordinary Indians Celebrate Independence Day
© Sputnik / Rahul Trivedi
“The margin is not much, but for us, it serves as a livelihood for a few days,” he added.
Concerning the meaning of independence for him, Surendra quipped that it only means that we are able to earn some money before the next festival arrives.
Similar views were echoed by some of the other street vendors who have put the stalls are various other locations of the capital city.
Struggling to Make Ends Meet
How Ordinary Indians Celebrate Independence Day
© Sputnik / Rahul Trivedi
As these street vendors rejoice the Independence Day as one of the sources of their livelihood, one of them highlighted the struggle they face for the rest of the year.
Sweating under the scorching Delhi heat, 70-year-old Ram Jeevan Singh told Sputnik India: “We have neither permanent business work nor do we have a job. Round the year, we are waiting for the festivals. During Independence Day and Republic Day, we sell national flags, while on the occasions like Holi we sell colours, crackers, and clay lamps, during Diwali. [We sell] similar items related to other festivals.”
When there is no festival, we either sell vegetables or look for part-time work as labourers, Singh revealed.