Yesterday's event at the Church of Christ Community on St Andrew St was organised by members of the India NZ Dunedin cultural group, and attracted a crowd of about 60 people.
Many of those present were dressed in traditional Indian garb, and younger children were invited to make speeches about the importance of the country's struggle for independence and take part in a competition.
They also sang the Indian and New Zealand national anthems - in Maori and in English - as part of the celebrations.
Event co-ordinator Nayan Padiyar said the event had been held on August 15 each year for about a decade.
The day marked the end of British rule and the birth of India as an independent nation on that day in 1947.
The festivities were a chance to remember the country's struggle for independence and the efforts of its freedom fighters, as well as to celebrate the modern face of India, she said.
"It's a chance to remind people of the great freedom fighters gaining freedom for us. Because of what they have done, we are here today.
"It makes us all feel very proud," she said.
Rooma Shailaj (10) was among those to attend, and said the festivities were important for members of the Indian community in Dunedin.
"It [Dunedin] is so far away from India, and we are doing something here."
