I am not sure if I am late to the party for participating in this contest. Yet I will like to add my comment.

So, I am from India and to us 15th August is "that" important day which is July 4 to USA citizens. This day marks the end of British rule in India; a day when we became a free and independent country after years of struggle and sacrifices.
If you look for one emotion that every Indian citizen feels for this day, then that would be PRIDE. We feel proud in not having given up and continuing to fight for our rights in order to attain "PURNA SWARAJ" meaning "Complete Independence".

Each year the Prime Minister of the country hoists the national flag at Red Fort, Delhi (the national capital) and addresses the nation. He talks about we were able to achieve in that particular year and what better we look forward to in the coming one. Then 21 gun shots are fired in the honor of the occasion.

All schools and colleges host lots of parades and dramas and shows to remember the great men who sacrificed their lives to bring the country to its current shape.

And yes the day is observed as national holiday.