India Celebrates 66th Independence Day (PHOTOS)

India Wednesday celebrated its 66^th Independence Day with gaiety and fervor.  The celebrations were held in offices, colleges and schools across the country with cultural programs. 

The country's official celebrations were held at the majestic Red Fort in New Delhi amid tight security. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hoisted the national flag and addressed the nation.

Drawing attention to the economic slowdown in the country, Singh said that lower GDP and investment was affecting the internal security.

Indirectly commenting on the opposition to the Foreign Direct Investment in retail and aviation sector, Singh said that "a lack of political consensus on many issues" was hampering the country's economic growth.

Addressing the nation on the eve of the Independence Day on Tuesday, President Pranab Mukherjee stressed on the need to achieve better growth and the need to fight corruption.

Indians across the globe celebrated the Independence Day with gusto and zest. Thousands of Indians holding the tricolor participated in parades in New Jersey, New York and Boston.  The celebrations started with a prayer to the victims of the recent attack in a Sikh Gurudwara in Wisconsin, where six worshipers were shot dead by a gunman.   

Check out the pictures of the celebrations: