Southampton was flooded with orange, white and green as residents flocked to the Civic Centre to mark India's Independence Day.

More than 100 people gathered with their family and friends to pay tribute to their country and war heroes. 

The Hampshire Indian Community (HIC) organised the event, which began at 10am and lasted until 11.30pm on Monday.Daily Echo: L to R: Jitender Mavi, Satvir Kaur, Renu Dublish, Anjali Mavi and Ramesh Lal L to R: Jitender Mavi, Satvir Kaur, Renu Dublish, Anjali Mavi and Ramesh Lal

Chairperson for the group, Jitender Mavi, told the Echo: "Today, we all came together to celebrate India's Independence Day. 

"It is so great to see local communities and residents get together on this special day.

"Thank you, everyone and the city council for coming today and supporting this event." Daily Echo:

The event featured a flag-raising ceremony followed by singing and dance performances by children and other Asian community groups. 

The crowd also sang along to the Indian national anthem.Daily Echo:  

'Proud Indian' Rajan Jolly from Eastleigh, who is also part of the Southampton and Eastleigh Asian Community, was 'excited' to be part of the festivities. 

The 48-year-old said: "It is such an honour to celebrate the independence day of India in Southampton. 

"I feel so privileged to be part of these celebrations. Daily Echo: Rajan Jolly and his wife, Meenakshi JollyRajan Jolly and his wife, Meenakshi Jolly

He added: "I feel all the youngsters and children should be part of this. They should not forget what India has done to gain independence." 

Meanwhile, Dr Pooja Patwardhan from the South of England Marathi Pariwar said: "The Indian diaspora has now become truly global.

"Such events help Indians and people with Indian heritage living in the city to come together, and while remembering our matrubhoomi (birth land), we continue to make a valuable contribution to our Karmabhoomi (the land where we work and live) in varied roles. e.g. as professionals in the NHS, business owners, artists, social services and many others.Daily Echo: Pooja with her family and friends Pooja with her family and friends

Pooja added: "While India is becoming a leading global economy, such events help make the ties between Britain and India stronger for both to grow and prosper."

Satvir Kaur, the Labour leader of Southampton City Council, remarked that being present for the 75th anniversary was "very humbling."Daily Echo:

She added: "I don't think our ancestors ever thought that we would be here today. India today is leading economically, politically, and is making huge strides socially. 

"I think we should take great pride in that. 

"Southampton has thousands of Indians within our communities; the lawyers, politicians, doctors, academics, and they along with the others make the city the great place it is." 

Daily Echo:

The council leader also congratulated the Pakistani community on their Independence Day, which took place yesterday.