Indian Independence Day: How did Ottawa and Eastern Canada celebrate?
From Canada’s national capital, Ottawa, to Quebec, and all the way to the country’s eastern seaboard, the Indian diaspora came together to celebrate their country’s 79th Indian Independence Day.
Ottawa: The capital turns saffron, white, and green
The Ottawa sign in the capital’s Byward Market neighbourhood bore the Indian tricolour in the spirit of multiculturalism, while diplomats, community leaders and members of the Indian diaspora all united for a flag hoisting at the High Commission of India in Ottawa, on Aug. 15.
A day later, the India Canada Association (ICA) organized a public Independence Day event at Ottawa City Hall from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, extending the celebrations into the days beyond Indian Independence Day. A day later, the ICA also hosted its first ever India Day parade in Ottawa.
More glimpses of #HGT2025 and #79thIndependenceDay celebrations by Indian diaspora across eastern Canada.#HarGharTiranga2025 @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @diaspora_india @MinOfCultureGoI @iccr_hq @cgivancouver @IndiainToronto pic.twitter.com/UijjmERB3X
— India in Canada (@HCI_Ottawa) August 19, 2025
Montreal: Festival vibes meet tradition
In Montreal, the India-Canada Organization (ICO) staged its annual India Independence Day Festival on Aug. 17, 2025, at 395 Jean-Talon West. The free-entry event featured music, dance, food, cultural performances, and flag-raising by the community. This celebration carried forward the energy of Indian Independence Day into a full day of heritage and festivity.
“On behalf of the India-Canada Organization, we wish all of you the heartiest of congratulations,” said the community group.
“To every Indian, my congratulations on the occasion of our country’s 79th Independence Day,” added Ankur Singhal, president, Bharat Bhavan Foundation.
Atlantic Canada: Pride by the water
In Atlantic Canada, Indian Independence Day celebrations took on an intimate, community-driven flavour.
As part of the celebrations, many households in Fredericton and Halifax also took part in the global Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, an effort launched by the Government of India to celebrate Indian culture around the world.
In Halifax, the INCA (Indian National Canadian Association) hosted an Independence Day event featuring performances and cultural camaraderie.
Meanwhile, in Moncton, NB, the local Indian diaspora gathered at Riverfront Park on August 16, 2025, celebrating India’s 79th independence in a warm, close-knit ceremony.