India Wednesday celebrated its 66th 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:

Indian Independence Day Celebrations in Pictures
Schoolchildren take part in the Independence Day celebrations in front of the historic Red Fort, where Indian Prime Minister Singh is to address the nation in Delhi Reuters
Indian Independence Day Celebrations in Pictures
India's PM Singh inspects a guard of honour upon his arrival at the historic Red Fort during Independence Day celebrations in Delhi Reuters
Indian Independence Day Celebrations in Pictures
Indian PM Singh addresses the nation from a bullet-proof enclosure at the historic Red Fort during Independence Day celebrations in Delhi Reuters
Indian Independence Day Celebrations in Pictures
Indian PM Singh addresses the nation from a bullet-proof enclosure at the historic Red Fort during Independence Day celebrations in Delhi Reuters
Indian Independence Day Celebrations in Pictures
Indian soldiers march past the historic Red Fort during Independence Day celebrations in Delhi Reuters
Indian Independence Day Celebrations in Pictures
School children dressed in tri-colours of India's national flag, offer prayers on the eve of the country's Independence Day celebrations in Ahmedabad Reuters
Indian Independence Day Celebrations in Pictures
Girl gets her eye painted in tri-colours of India's national flag on eve of Independence Day celebrations in Chandigarh Reuters
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