As India celebrates its 77th Independence Day on August 15, 2023, as always it's a special occasion as citizens of the country remember the sacrifices made by the martyrs who fought and laid their lives to gain independence for the nation after nearly 200 years of occupation by the British.

As the Prime Minister hoists the national flag at Red Fort in Delhi, people also use the public holiday to celebrate the day in different ways but the most common one is flying kites atop their terraces. Its a tradition that has remain unaffected through the years, particularly in Northern India.

Batting master Virat Kohli also opened up on his childhood memories of Independence day in a previously recorded interview with Star Sports, as he revealed the day is doubly special for him as it was also the birthday of his father, Prem Kohli, who passed away in 2006.

"Independence Day obviously is the most important day in the history of our country, especially in India, the way it's always been celebrated and you know so much happening around it. I think it holds a lot of significance, and for me it's even more special because it was my father's birthday on the same day. So it used to be all the special to be able to celebrate both occasions together," Kohli said.

"So I have a lot of fond memories of Independence Day, and it's a day where all Indians, including myself, feel a lot of pride of what we have achieved as a nation since that very day in 1947 and where we stand today. I think it makes all of us feel very proud,"

"We've actually played a lot on Independence Day. Off field memories it's all about, you know, hoisting the flag in the morning before you go for a game day. And you know, having the national anthem being played obviously, is a moment of right again. We're running around with those flags," he added. 

"In Delhi, there's a big culture of flying kites on 15th August, so that used to be a super special moment. You know, we all used to prepare a lot before, you know, the night before getting our kites and everything ready so that we can, you know, find a good time and go to fly kites,"

"And I won't say it is a coincidence because things are meant to be. And it used to be a perfectly windy day too, you know, enjoy that particular occasion,"

"So those are the best memories I have apart from, you know playing on the field on Independence Day. And that, as I said, is a very special memory in my mind," Kohli said before signing off.

Kohli extended his wishes to the nation with a post on X on Tuesday.