The date chosen for the official enforcement of the constitution had a significance attached to the sentiments of the Indian nationalists. When on December 31,1929 , Nehru hoisted the tricolour in Lahore and demanded "purna swaraj', the date set for independence was January The day was celebrated as the "purna swaraj" day for the next 17 years. When independence was finally granted in 1947 however, the day set upon by the British was August It is said that the independence day was so chosen to coincide with the second anniversary of the day when Japanese forces submitted to allied powers after the Second World War. When the constitution of India was born, it was considered necessary by the makers of the document to celebrate it on a day associated with national pride and the best choice available was that of "poorna swaraj" day January