# Why India’s independence came at midnight: astrologers and Mountbatten

2026-08-14T09:17:13+00:00 | India | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

Astrologers warned rediff.com that August 15, 1947, was cursed by Saturn and Rahu. Lord Mountbatten had chosen that date for personal vanity, it marked his victory as supreme allied commander in 1945. Nehru compromised on midnight, which satisfied both the Gregorian calendar and Indian beliefs. On August 14 night, he delivered the 'Tryst with Destiny' speech. Hindustan Times reported the next morning's headline: 'Journey's end, Beginning of another.' Gandhi spent Independence Day in Calcutta working for peace, while the Red Fort flag-hoisting tradition began only on August 16.

## Coverage

- rediff.com <https://www.rediff.com/news/special/why-india-got-freedom-at-the-stroke-of-midnight/20260814.htm>
- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/beginning-of-another-how-hindustan-times-reported-freedom-on-august-15-1947-101786698232654.html>

Tags: 1947, astrology, independence, midnight, Mountbatten, Nehru
Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/why-midnight-of-august-14-15-became-indias-freedom-moment/
License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources.
Cite: https://indianopinion.org/why-midnight-of-august-14-15-became-indias-freedom-moment/#story-in-brief

Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.