Independence Day, also known as Swatantrata Diwas, celebrated every year on August 15, is one of Indiaโ€™s most important national holidays. It marks the day in 1947 when India gained freedom from British rule. Schools across the country observe the occasion with flag-hoisting ceremonies, patriotic songs and cultural events. One of the most popular activities is the Independence Day fancy dress competition, where children dress as freedom fighters, national leaders, or patriotic symbols. This sparks creativity and instils a deep sense of pride and love for the country. India celebrates its 79th Independence Day on August 15. Rani Lakshmibai, Mahatma Gandhi and more freedom fighters, national leaders and patriotic symbols, we bring you videos and quick ideas to dress your child in patriotic style to celebrate the nationโ€™s freedom on the 15th August school function.

India earned freedom on August 15, 1947. The nation celebrates its 79th Independence Day in 2025, marking 78 years of freedom from the British Raj. The fancy dress competition for Independence Day is one of the most significant cultural events in schools. Dressing as freedom fighters, national leaders, or patriotic symbols helps kids connect emotionally with Indiaโ€™s history and understand the sacrifices made for independence. Fancy dress competition during Independence Day helps keep alive traditional clothing styles, folk icons and national symbols that are part of Indiaโ€™s heritage. Hereโ€™s how you can dress your child to celebrate Independence Day 2025.

Independence Day 2025: Popular Fancy Dress Themes

1. Freedom Fighters

Mahatma Gandhi: To dress your child like the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, all you need is a white dhoti, round glasses, a walking stick and a white shawl. For younger kids, you can use a plain white cotton cloth wrapped like a dhoti or a stitched version for comfort. A light cotton shawl draped over one shoulder for a traditional look. His signature rimmed glasses and a lightweight wooden stick or bamboo stick are perfect to honour Gandhi on Independence Day.

Watch Video To Dress Your Child Like Mahatma Gandhi:

Rani Lakshmibai: Use a bright red, orange or green saree with a golden border. For younger kids, you can drape it in a Maharashtrian Nauvari style for comfort and authenticity. A matching blouse or short-sleeved choli in a contrasting or matching colour can complete the traditional look. For accessories, a kamarbandh, nath, gold-coloured jewellery and maang tika to enhance the warrior look. The warrior props to dress your child like Jhansi Ki Rani, make a sword using lightweight cardboard, painted in silver or gold, a DIY shield and a doll representing her son.

Watch Video To Dress Your Child Like Rani Lakshmibai:

Bhagat Singh: To dress your child like Bhagat Singh, opt for a light-coloured shirt, khaki or beige trousers and a brown leather belt for the vintage look. Draw a thin, curled moustache using eyeliner or face paint for the moustache. For accessories, a light brown or khaki hat is Bhagat Singhโ€™s trademark look to honour him on Independence Day.

Watch Video To Dress Your Child Like Bhagat Singh:

Subhas Chandra Bose: Opt for a full-sleeve shirt and matching trousers for the military uniform. A brown belt to wear around the waist and simple lace-up shoes to match the uniform. For the signature accessories, a Netaji-style cap, round spectacles and a brown crossbody bag for the wartime commander look.

Watch Video To Dress Your Child Like Subhas Chandra Bose:

2. National Leaders

Jawaharlal Nehru: To dress your child like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru for an Independence Day fancy dress competition, the costume essentials are white kurta pajama, a Nehru jacket and a Gandhi cap. Donโ€™t forget to pin a fresh or an artificial red rose on the left side of the jacket, a classic Nehru symbol.

Watch Video To Dress Your Child Like Jawaharlal Nehru:

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: To dress your child like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, choose a simple cotton dhoti, plain, long-sleeved cotton kurta and a plain white shawl to drape around the shoulders. A white cotton cap to match his iconic look.

Watch Video To Dress Your Child Like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel:

Dr BR Ambedkar: Opt for a blazer and matching trousers. Blue is most iconic for Ambedkar. A white button-down shirt underneath with a red or maroon tie for a formal and vintage touch. His signature accessories include round or rectangular spectacles, a small book labelled โ€œConstitution of Indiaโ€ for authenticity and simple, polished shoes.

Watch Video To Dress Your Child Like Dr BR Ambedkar:

3. Cultural & Folk Icons

Bharat Mata: Choose saffron, white, or green (or a combination of these colours) to represent the Indian tricolour. For younger kids, use a stitched saree or lehenga with a dupatta for ease. The signature accessories include a gold-coloured cardboard or plastic crown decorated with sequins and beads, a tricolour dupatta, sash, and jewellery. A small hand-held flag or a large one to drape, a lotus flower and an Ashoka Chakra cutout for the symbolism on Independence Day.

Watch Video To Dress Your Child Like Bharat Mata:

Soldier: Olive green camouflage shirt, matching trousers with a brown or black belt, and neatly-polished lace-up shoes to match the soldier's style.

Watch Video To Dress Your Child Like Soldier:

Farmer: To dress your child like an Indian farmer for an Independence Day fancy dress competition, the costume essentials are a dhoti, kurta, or vest, and a cotton towel. For the authentic look, wear bright orange, red, or white cloth tied in a traditional style as a pagdi.

Watch Video To Dress Your Child Like Farmer:

The Independence Day 2025 fancy dress competition is not just about costumes. Itโ€™s about teaching children the values of bravery, unity and patriotism. By celebrating our national heroes and symbols creatively, we keep their legacy alive in the hearts of the upcoming generation.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 11, 2025 01:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).