Have you ever visited a place where people celebrate Independence Day as though it were a religious holiday like Dussehra, Eid, or Christmas? If you haven’t, we’ll tell you about Kalimpong, one of the districts in West Bengal, that is well renowned for this. For India, August 15 is significant because it marks the day the country gained independence from British rule. It is observed nationwide, and Kalimpong, which observes this day on Mela Ground, frequently referred to as the town’s beating heart, is no exception.
Since 1947, when India gained its independence, Kalimpong is claimed to have observed the day similarly. The celebrations grew more elaborate as the years went by. Additionally, it is the only town in the nation to observe the holiday for two days. i.e., August 15th and 16th.
The month of August normally coincides with the rainy season, yet in Kalimpong, the grandeur of this celebration never changes. Nearly all of the local schools take part in Mela Ground and put on their best shows, whether they are cultural performances, march pasts, drills, or band displays.
Football and Mela Ground have been inseparable for many years. Teams from all around the nation, including Nepal, take part in this tournament to help August be the month when football fans’ fervour reaches its peak. Football enthusiasts go great distances to watch live matches at the town’s heart, Mela Ground. The Kalimpong Sports Association (KSA), which was founded in 1954, is in charge of organising football matches. The competition is open to both boys and girls, and the finals are held on August 15 and 16.
Various participating schools perform a March Past and Band Display on August 15 before the afternoon’s school division and open division football finals. The first event on the calendar for August 16 is a competition between bands from various schools, which is followed by cultural acts. Once more, a senior division football game is played in the afternoon.
Independence Day in Kalimpong is celebrated like any other celebration since the entire town participates. On that day, no automobiles are permitted inside the town since the roads are completely blocked by large crowds, food stalls, marching schoolchildren, and ice cream vendors. Since many people from Nepal and Bhutan also visit Kalimpong at this time, the hotels are typically full. Even in the nearby areas of Pedong, Algarah, Pagang Gumpa, etc., the day is commemorated similarly to the main Kalimpong town.
Every structure raises the national flag, and Kalimpong is completely decked out in the tricolour. Saffron, white, and green balloons are visible flying high in the sky. One way to remember this unique day would be to imagine kids playing the flutes while wearing black goggles, and holding cotton candy and ice cream in their hands. The inhabitants of this lovely town are what make it unique. The visuals are breathtaking, and they hold their pride in being Indian with the spirit of independence high.
Watch How Kalimpong celebrates the Independence Day –
