PHOTOS: India gears up to celebrate its 67th Independence Day

The world's largest democracy is making elaborate arrangements on the occasion of its Independence Day.  

A security blanket has been thrown around vital installations and checking has intensified across the Kashmir Valley to thwart any attempt by militants to disrupt the celebrations.

The tightened security arrangements were made in the wake of surge in infiltration attempts and ceasefire violations from across the border, and escalation in militant activities in the Valley.

For the first time ever, the Delhi Transport Corporation will play patriotic songs in all its 3,800 AC and non-AC low floor buses on August 15.

In Amritsar, images of freedom fighters Rani Lakshmibai, Bhagat Singh and Subhash Chandra Bose will dot the skyline with inspiring messages on Independence Day.

In a goodwill gesture, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Wednesday ordered the release of all Indian fishermen in its custody on the occasion of India's Independence Day.

Rediff.com brings you glimpses from around the country as the nation prepares to celebrate its Independence Day.

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College students with painted faces pose for a picture as they take part in India's Independence Day celebrations in Chennai.

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School students hold a 200-meter-long Indian national flag during India's Independence Day celebrations in Chennai.

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An Indian policeman adjusts his cap before taking part in a full dress rehearsal for India's Independence Day celebrations in Kolkata.

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A worker (R) stitches an Indian national flag as his co-worker irons another flag at a workshop in Mumbai.

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A female National Cadet Corps cadet waves with her hand decorated with henna paste, from a bus after taking part in a full dress rehearsal for India's Independence Day celebrations in Chandigarh.

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Birds fly over the historic Red Fort as Indian security personnel position themselves on a tower during a full dress rehearsal for India's Independence Day celebrations in Delhi.

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Schoolchildren hold Indian national flags as they walk in front of a mural depicting Mahatma Gandhi during India's Independence Day celebrations inside a school in Delhi.

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Indian soldiers take part in a full dress rehearsal for India's Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort in Delhi. India commemorates its Independence Day on August 15.

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Ladakhi girls perform in their traditional dresses during full dress rehearsal of Independence Day parade at Bakhshi Stadium.

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Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel performs daredevils shows during the full dress rehearsal of Independence Day parade at Bakhshi Stadium in Srinagar.

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Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha illuminated ahead of Independence Day in Lucknow.