In the wake of 15 August Independence Day, we all like to remember the fights of the freedom fighters and feel blessed to be free from the long-standing colonial rule in India. Not just in Delhi, but you can closely connect with the tragic colonial history of India by staying and exploring the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.  

If you are somebody who is intrigued by the colonial history of India and wants to taste the celebration of patriotism, then you might not know, but Andaman can be an ideal destination for you. As the 15 August Independence Day celebration of Andaman and Nicobar is not promoted much, you might not know anything about it. But this blog will help you out in understanding why the place is worth a visit during Independence Day. 

Historical Significance of Andaman In Independence

I am sure you have heard about Cellular Jail in Port Blair, which is the first destination covered by any Andaman travel agent. But do you know about the history and the tragedies that are stored in that jail? During the colonial rule in India, many famous freedom fighters were imprisoned in the infamous Kala Pani of Andaman 

Did you know that the Cellular Jail or Kala Pani was established by the Britishers in the wake of the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny? The revolutionary leaders of India, who fought in that revolt, were taken as prisoners to jail to isolate them. Later on, popular and influential freedom fighters like Batukeshwar Dutta, Veer Savarkar, Yogendra Shukla, and Barindra Kumar Ghosh were imprisoned in Kala Pani.

You might not know, but Andaman got the taste of freedom under the leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose much before the entire nation got it. In history books, we have read that Netaji had hoisted the tricolour for the first time in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands along with the INA by taking it from Japan. You might have heard this, but the names Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were declared by Netaji himself. I believe 15 August Independence Day carries a great weight and significance with the Andaman and Nicobar.

Independence Day Events In Andaman 

Wondering about the events that would take place in Andaman on this Independence Day. After hearing about the rich and yet the painful history of the Cellular Jail and the Colonial history of Andaman and Nicobar, you are probably feeling you need to come to Andaman on 15 August Independence Day, so let me help you out in finding the best events for you. 

1. Flag Hoisting At Cellular Jail

Every year on Independence Day, at the Kala Pani, you can witness the flag hoisting event. Even though you see flag hoisting on TV, or in your school, and community. Seeing the tricolour held high on the silhouette of such a dark history-bearing place will bring you goosebumps. 

• The event takes place from around 8 AM to 9 AM in the morning, so if you are in Port Blair, take advantage of the Andaman taxi service and reach Cellular Jail in the early morning. 
• The Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands hoists the Indian national flag in front of the people. 
• Patriotic speeches are delivered by government officials, which often include the painful imprisonment stories of the freedom fighters. 
• After the flag hoisting event, you will be able to take part in the collective singing of the national anthem, which is an overwhelming moment for any Indian.  

2. March Past And Parade

You can also experience a March Past and Parade on Port Blair, where different contingents of the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and even the local police forces parade on either the Port Blair main parade ground or inside the Netaji stadium. If you are somebody who enjoys and gets excited when you see parades, then you will definitely enjoy this experience. 

However, if you are expecting it to be similar to that of the Delhi big parades and march past, then you will be disappointed, as the event is localised, and is not as grand as the capital. 

3. Cultural Program 

Like any other part of the country, in Andaman, you can witness various cultural events as well, such as songs, dances, and plays. You can get a glimpse of patriotism through the cultural events. The plays that you will be seeing might carry the local stories about the torture and the real incidents that took place inside the Cellular Jail years ago. 

You can also get to witness the special events and programs of the maritime traditions and the tribal heritage to make your day even more interesting and intriguing at the same time.

4. Special Light And Sound Show

The light and sound show in Port Blair is already a major tourist attraction, but if I tell you that you can make that experience even better if you watch it on 15 August Independence Day, would you believe it? On this day, you can get to hear the stories of the freedom fighters in Kala Pani, their sacrifices, and the importance the holds in the history of Andaman. I often get goosebumps, and my eyes get teary when I hear them along with the light and sound. So I feel you might get a similar feel. 

Travel Tips 

• Plan and book early if you are planning to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands during Independence Day. Even though August is off-season for the archipelago, the special events and history make the time crowded, so book your hotels and packages early. 
• Consult with your Andaman travel agent to ensure that they get your tickets for the special events, flag hoisting, and other ceremonies at Cellular Jail early.
• Book the Andaman taxi service in advance, so that you can reach Kala Pani on time, and do not face difficulties in watching the events. 
• Explore the islands that carry special colonial history to relive the moments. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose island, which is also known as Ross Island, has multiple colonial buildings that will take you back in history. 
• Combine other islands such as Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep in your itinerary over the next few days to ensure that you can get a wholesome experience. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Is Independence Day An Ideal Time For Me To Visit Andaman And Nicobar Islands?

Yes, if you are somebody who likes to explore the culture and heritage of a place, and likes to know the history, then you will find Andaman the most interesting place to be during Independence Day. The monsoon season is usually not ideal for enjoying the islands, but from a historical and cultural point of view, they are ideal. 

2. How Can I Go To Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island In Andaman?

The island is just 3 km from Port Blair and can be reached within 15-20 minutes in a speedboat. You can book your speed boats from the Aberdeen jetty of the Water sports complex and reach the island for a quick tour. The island is open from 8:30 AM in the morning to the evening 4 PM, so you will need to go within this time frame only. 

3. Is It Allowed For Any Tourists To Visit The Flag Hoisting Event At Cellular Jail?

Yes, the only criterion is that you will have to carry your ID card for proof of your identity. Also, you will need to ensure that you reach the Cellular jail at least 45 minutes before the start of the event. 

4. Can I Do Watersports During The Independence Day Period In Andaman?

Yes, you can do watersports all year they are open; however, the times may vary, as Independence Day events can delay the opening of the rides. Also, as it is the monsoon season, the chances of rain and rough seas are there. Check the weather reports and then take your chances.  

Finishing Up

Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a place where you can enjoy the 15 August Independence Day of 2025 differently. You can witness patriotism at its best, but without the commercialization of it. Andaman is part of dark tourism due to its colonial history, and by attending Independence Day there, you can relive the history and remember the struggles and sacrifices of the freedom fighters.