Archive · 19 Aug 2025
Balurghat Celebrates Independence Day on August 18th
Imagine a town called Balurghat in India.
Back in 1947, when India and Pakistan became separate countries, Balurghat wasn't sure which one it belonged to.
For a few days, it was almost part of Pakistan, and Pakistani troops even put up their flag.
But the people of Balurghat wanted to be with India.
Finally, after some confusion, Balurghat joined India on August 17th.
The Indian flag went up on August 18th.
So, Balurghat celebrates its Independence Day on August 18th, not August 15th, to remember this special day.
Balurghat, India, celebrates Independence Day on August 18th, three days after the rest of the country.
This delayed celebration stems from the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan.
Balurghat was initially designated a 'national area' under Pakistani jurisdiction.
Pakistani troops occupied Balurghat on August 14th, leading to protests.
Balurghat merged with India on August 17th, and the Indian flag was raised on August 18th, hence the delayed celebration.
- Who
- Residents of Balurghat
- What
- Balurghat celebrates Independence Day on August 18th.
- When
- August 18th
- Where
- Balurghat, India
- Why
- To commemorate its integration with India after the 1947 partition, which initially placed it under Pakistani jurisdiction.
Residents
Historians and Civic Body
Celebration Timing
Residents
To celebrate this historic date
Historians and Civic Body
To celebrate this historic date
- Location
- Balurghat, South Dinajpur district, India
- Original Jurisdiction
- Rajshahi division of Dinajpur district
- Date of Pakistani flag hoisting
- August 14, 1947
- Date of Indian Integration
- August 17, 1947
- Current Independence Day
- August 18th
- Involvement
- Trinamool-run civic body, BJP MLA