Indian Honorary Consul Raj Aggarwal hoists the Indian Tricolor at Cardiff Castle during the 76th-anniversary celebration of India's independence on Aug. 15. Indian Honorary Consul Raj Aggarwal/Richard Bosworth
Wales

Cardiff Castle in Wales marks 77th Indian Independence Day

Cardiff Castle in Wales hosted a celebration marking the 76th anniversary of India's independence from British colonial rule.

Cardiff Castle in Wales hosted a celebration marking the 76th anniversary of India's independence from British colonial rule.

Guests and dignitaries gather at Cardiff Castle for the ceremony to mark the 76th anniversary of India's independence on Aug. 15
Indian Honorary Consul Raj Aggarwal stands with Cardiff Deputy Lord Mayor Jane Henshaw during the event at Cardiff Castle commemorating the 76th anniversary of India's independence on Aug. 15

The event, organized by Indian Honorary Consul Raj Aggarwal, featured a flag-hoisting ceremony, speeches, and music.

Professor Uzo Iwobi CBE, CEO of Race Council Wales; Indian Honorary Consul Raj Aggarwal; and Welsh Minister Jane Hutt during the event at Cardiff Castle commemorating the 76th anniversary of India's independence on Aug. 15

In attendance were Welsh Assembly Minister Jane Hutt, Cardiff Deputy Lord Mayor Jane Henshaw, senior officers from the armed forces, police, and community leaders.

Indian diplomat Raj Aggarwal with Prof. Bela Arora and Tripti Megeri, secretary of Bristol Multi Faith Forum, during the event at Cardiff Castle commemorating the 76th anniversary of India's independence on Aug. 15

The ceremony drew hundreds of participants from the Indian community in Wales.

Miss Wales 2023 Millie-Mae Adams, Miss Wales 2022 Darcey Corria, and Paula Abbandonato join Indian Honorary Consul Raj Aggarwal at Cardiff Castle during the event commemorating the 76th anniversary of India's independence on Aug. 15.

Aggarwal addressed the crowd, emphasizing the global importance of the day. “Indian Independence Day is celebrated all over the world with great love and pride, and we celebrate it with all our friends and colleagues,” he said.

Gurmit Singh Randhawa MBE, Chairman of the Sikh Council of Wales, stands with Indian Honorary Consul Raj Aggarwal during the event at Cardiff Castle commemorating the 76th anniversary of India's independence on Aug. 15

Cardiff's Deputy Lord Mayor Jane Henshaw also delivered a speech to the attendees, underscoring the significance of the celebration and the strong ties between India and Wales.

Indian Honorary Consul Raj Aggarwal, Welsh Minister Jane Hutt, Dr. Anju Kumar OBE, and Professor Dhavendra Kumar during the event at Cardiff Castle commemorating the 76th anniversary of India's independence on Aug. 15
An RAF officer stands with Gurmit Singh Randhawa MBE, Chairman of the Sikh Council of Wales, during the event at Cardiff Castle commemorating the 76th anniversary of India's independence on Aug. 15

The British Army Band Tidworth provided musical accompaniment, playing the national anthems of both countries and performing for the guests.

The castle grounds were adorned with dozens of saffron, white, and green Indian national flags.

The Indian Tiranga flag flew prominently over Cardiff Castle throughout the day, commemorating India's independence achieved on Aug. 15, 1947.

Members of the Royal Army Band Tidworth perform at Cardiff Castle during the event marking the 76th anniversary of India's independence on Aug. 15.

Cardiff Castle is a historic complex in the heart of Cardiff, Wales. Initially a Roman fort in the 3rd century, it was transformed into a motte and bailey castle by Norman invaders in the late 11th century. Over the centuries, it played a pivotal role in conflicts between the Anglo-Normans and the Welsh, changed ownership among noble families, and underwent architectural transformations. The Marquesses of Bute, who owned the castle from the mid-18th century, significantly renovated it into a Georgian mansion and later a Gothic revival showpiece. Gifted to the City of Cardiff in 1947, the castle is now a major tourist attraction and events venue, showcasing centuries of Cardiff's rich history.

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