Did You Get a Laddoo After Independence Day Celebrations Too?

Ah, the sweet nostalgia of school days! Remember the thrill of waking up early on Independence Day, the excitement bubbling in your chest as you donned your crisply ironed uniform? Whether you were in kindergarten or about to graduate, the anticipation of Independence Day celebrations at school was something that brought a smile to every student's face.

The Morning Hustle: A Parade of Excitement

Independence Day mornings were different from any other day. The air felt fresher, the sky seemed bluer, and even the sleepy streets seemed to wake up with the first rays of the sun.

You’d find every child walking with a spring in their step, proudly clutching a small tricolor flag, ready to march into school with pride.

For those who participated in the parade, the day started even earlier. Remember the endless hours of practice? Perfecting every step, every salute, just to ensure that when the day arrived, the parade was flawless.

The School Ground: A Canvas of Colors and Patriotism

Walking into school on Independence Day was like stepping into a different world. The school grounds, usually buzzing with the noise of children playing, were transformed into a space of reverence and celebration.

The large stage adorned with the national flag, balloons in saffron, white, and green swaying in the breeze, and the backdrop proudly declaring ‘Happy Independence Day!’—it was a sight that filled our young hearts with pride.

The ceremony would usually start with the flag hoisting. As the flag slowly rose into the sky, fluttering proudly, everyone stood in respectful silence, eyes glued to the colors that represented our nation.

And then came the national anthem—‘Jana Gana Mana’—sung with fervor and emotion by every student, teacher, and staff member present. There was something incredibly powerful about hundreds of voices singing in unison, the melody echoing across the grounds, making us feel united and proud to be Indian.

The Performances: A Display of Talent and Patriotism

Once the formalities were done, it was time for the cultural performances. Ah, the endless rehearsals that went into those dances, plays, and songs!

The dances, often set to patriotic songs, were a vibrant display of energy and enthusiasm. Boys and girls twirling in synchrony, their movements telling the story of freedom fighters, of unity, of the love for our country.

You probably remember the excitement of being part of a group that performed ‘Vande Mataram’ or ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’—these songs would make the crowd erupt with cheers.

Stage Plays

The plays, on the other hand, brought history to life. Watching your friends don the roles of Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Rani Lakshmi Bai, or other national heroes made you feel a connection to the past. It wasn’t just about remembering the struggle for freedom; it was about feeling it, even if just for a few moments. 

The Creative Outlets: Art and Essay Competitions

Independence Day wasn’t just about performances on stage; it was also a time for showcasing your creativity. Many schools held art competitions where students could express their love for the country through drawings and paintings.

From depicting the national flag soaring high to illustrating freedom fighters in action, the art competition was a beautiful display of imagination and patriotism. The best part? Walking around the exhibition afterward, admiring your friends’ work and secretly hoping your piece would win a prize.

 The Grand Finale: A Laddoo in Hand, A Smile on Your Face

As the celebrations drew to a close, there was one thing every student eagerly awaited—the laddoo! It didn’t matter how hot it was or how tired you were after all the excitement; the moment the teachers started handing out those golden, sweet laddoos, everything else was forgotten. 

And it wasn’t just about the taste. The laddoo was a tradition, a shared experience that connected generations of students.

Ask anyone who’s been to school in India, and they’ll have their own laddoo story—how they tried to sneak an extra one, how they compared the size with their friends, or how they savored every bite, trying to make it last just a little longer.

The Walk Back Home: A Heart Full of Memories

As the celebrations wrapped up, you’d walk back home, tired but happy. The day had been a whirlwind of activities, but it was the kind of tiredness that came with satisfaction.

You’d recount the day’s events with your family, proudly showing off the tricolor flag you got to keep, the one you’d carefully stick on your study table or tuck into your school bag as a reminder of the day.

For those of us who grew up in the era before smartphones and social media, Independence Day was about real, tangible experiences. It was about the sound of the drums during the parade, the sight of the flag unfurling against the blue sky, the taste of that sweet laddoo, and the feeling of pride in our hearts.

The Significance of It All: A Lesson Beyond Classrooms

Looking back, those school celebrations were more than just a break from regular classes. They were our first lessons in patriotism, in understanding the importance of freedom, and in recognizing the sacrifices made by countless people so that we could live in a free country.

The stories we heard, the performances we watched, and the speeches we listened to—each one left a mark, shaping our understanding of what it meant to be an Indian.

And that laddoo? It was a sweet reminder that while we celebrate the past, we also look forward to the future—a future filled with hope, unity, and the promise of a better tomorrow.

So, did you get a laddoo after Independence Day celebrations too?

If you did, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. It was more than just a sweet treat; it was a symbol of shared joy, pride, and the simple, beautiful pleasures of childhood. And if you didn’t, well, maybe it’s time to indulge in a laddoo and relive those memories, if only for a moment.

Happy Independence Day, everyone! May we always cherish the freedom we have, and never forget the sweet memories that come with it.