India, Aug. 13 -- Every year, India marks its Independence Day on August 15. In 2026, it falls on a Saturday. The day commemorates India's freedom from over 200 years of British colonial rule and the sacrifices of the freedom fighters who helped achieve the dream of a free nation.

As in every year, there is confusion about whether 2026 marks the 79th or 80th Independence Day. To clarify, in 2026, India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day. India achieved its freedom from British colonisers on August 15, 1947.

The confusion arises because people often simply subtract 1947 from the present year, which is 2026, and arrive at 79. The mistake happens because they don't factor in the first celebration itself. Therefore, the correct way is...