Thread by @namchu

I don't know who created this funny Whatsapp forward that's spread like wildfire amongst people from #Kalimpong. But it has made me start a thread to share a few things you might not know about how my hometown in the hills celebrates our #IndependenceDay #FitinAugust #PondaAugus

While the rest of the country celebrates our #IndependenceDay on the 15th of August, we #Kalimpong folks need 3 WHOLE DAYS! If you gotta party, party like you mean it!

Photo courtesy: Praveen Chettri

#FitinAugust #PondaAugus

I don't think there's ever been a #FitinAugust celebration in #Kalimpong without the Singhi (Snow Lion) & Yak Dance presented by the Indo Tibetan Buddhist Cultural Institute, Kalimpong. #PondaAugus. #IndpendenceDay #15thAugust #India Photo Courtesy: Praveen Chettri

The #kalimpong #football league final is played on #FitinAugust. Teams come from as far away as Pune, Bangalore, B'desh, Nepal & Bhutan. Last year during one of the matches, it got dark and spectators turned on the flashlight on their phones 😀 Photo: Anupam Lama #IndependenceDay

Smartly dressed school kids marching past the tri-colour fluttering in the August breeze, their marching bands making sure they don't miss their step. There's the "Best School Contingent" and "Best Marching BAnd" trophies to be won! #FitinAugust #IndependenceDay #Kalimpong

There will be no cars on the main street in #Kalimpong tomorrow. Smartly dressed school children and their marching bands will be taking over the streets. It's #FitinAugust

#IndependenceDay #India #PondaAugus

On #FitinAugust (#PondaAugus as some sections of the #Kalimpong community call it), it pays to be living in a tall building overlooking the Mela Ground, where most of the action takes place. Or you must know people who do. #IndependenceDay #India

Our talented school girls set the mood for the crowds that throng to #Kalimpong (from far-flung villages as well as the neighbouring state of #Sikkim) to celebrate #FitinAugust #IndependenceDay2019 #India Don't they look so smart?

"Safedi aisi, aankhe chauk jaaye!" #Kalimpong school girls all set to impress the crowd at the #IndependenceDay parade. Will they win the "Best Contingent" trophy? Fingers crossed! #FitinAugust #PondaAugus

The finals of the football league is the main event for people of #Kalimpong on #FitinAugust, our country's #IndependenceDay .

Here're some ardent supporters of the Scottish Universities' Mission Institution (better known as "EssYouEmm" by the town) cheering for their boys.

Again, picture courtesy: Praveen Chettri

It's #FitinAugust in #kalimpong! These are some images from this morning: everyone excited and looking forward to the #IndependenceDay celebrations. #IndependenceDay2019 #PondaAugus Pics courtesy: Praveen Chettri

Want the best seats in the house on #FitinAugust in #kalimpong? Better get to Mela Ground on time. Can you spot the cup of tea in the corner? Could be their first cup tea. 😁#IndependenceDay2019 #IndependenceDay #PondaAugus Pic courtesy: Sudesh Mukhia.

Guess what's that one thing you must never forget to carry if you're heading for the #FitinAugust celebrations in #Kalimpong?
Hint: Look at the sky

#IndependenceDay #IndependenceDay2019 #PondaAugus

Pics courtesy: Praveen Chettri

@bipulchettri And here come the boys of my alma mater - St. Augustine's School, #Kalimpong. #FitinAugust #PondaAugus #IndependenceDay2019 #IndependenceDay #India

Pic courtesy: Dr. Sangay Zimba, a Sasonian. He's in a couple of pics as well.

@bipulchettri Looks like our photographer Praveen Chettri's got one of the best seats in Kalimpong this #FitinAugust #IndependenceDay2019 #PondaAugus #IndependenceDay #India

@bipulchettri Little drummer girls of #Kalimpong.

#FitinAugust #PondaAugus #IndependenceDay2019 #IndependenceDayIndia #IndependenceDay

@bipulchettri "Did you Cherry Blossom your shoes today?" You tell these #Kalimpong schoolgirls are prepared to outshine their competition.

#FitinAugust #PondaAugus #IndependenceDay2019 #IndependenceDayIndia #IndependenceDay Pic Courtesy: Praveen Chettri

Who’s got the best seat in house? It’s #FitinAugust in #Kalimpong and our man’s got a ringside view to all the action on Mela Ground. #IndependenceDay2019 #IndependenceDayIndia #IndependenceDay #PondaAugus Picture Courtesy: Ms. Sharda Mukhia @kalimpongkoketi @roopaksaluja