Political parties observed India's 64th Independence Day in several parts of the country on Sunday.

Leaders of India's federal ruling Congress party, including party chief Sonia Gandhi and Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh, gathered at their headquarters in New Delhi to mark the occasion.

[Sonia Gandhi, Congress Party Chief]:
"My wishes to all of you."

Meanwhile, the chief of India's main opposition party hoisted a flag in Nagpur City.

[Nitin Gadhkari, Opposition Party Chief]:
"It's very unfortunate for us that that even though we have achieved Independence, our government reports that about 90 percent of the population has an income that is less that two dollars."

India's Independence Day is celebrated on August 15 to commemorate its independence from British rule and its birth as a sovereign nation in 1947.

All over the country, flag-hoisting ceremonies were held.

The main event takes place in New Delhi, where the prime minister hoists the national flag at the Red Fort and delivers a nationally televised speech.