Why astrologers opposed August 15 as India’s Independence Day
Astrologers expressed opposition to August 15 as India’s Independence Day, claiming it was an inauspicious date. Found in holy Varanasi and other southern regions, they believed that August 15 would bring disaster. Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, chose August 15 in 1947, reasoning it marked the second anniversary of Japan’s surrender.
The date was later suggested as favorable by astrologers, who noted that India would be under the influence of Saturn, an inauspicious planet, and would enter the zodiac sign of Capricorn, Capricorns being known for their resistance to change. A compromise was reached by shifting the date to midnight, allowing for the transfer of power to occur without offending astrologers' beliefs.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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