New York, August 15: The Empire State Building in New York's Manhattan, which was once the tallest structure in the world, was lit up in tricolour late on Thursday evening to mark the Indian Independence Day 2019. Scores of non-residential Indians based in the tri-state area of the United States came to witness the historic visuals.

The tricolour -- saffron, white and green -- reflects the three shades of Indian national flag. The decision by the administration to illuminate the building in those colours, on the occasion of India's 73rd Independence Day, overjoyed the NRIs living in the city. India Celebrates 73rd Independence Day, PM Narendra Modi Outlines His Vision For 'Naya Bharat'

"This is why we love America. This nation respects the identity of everyone living over here. We are grateful for them for turning our Independence Day celebrations special," said Gopinath Patel, an NRI based in Pennsylvania.

Twitter Reacts to Empire State Building's Tricolour Illumination:

A Perfect August 15 Evening!

Empire State Building Wishing India a Happy Independence Day!

Social Media Users on Instagram Also Reacted:

 

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Tribute to Indian Independence Day 🇮🇳 @empirestatebldg #indianindependenceday #empirestatelights

A post shared by Kalyani Kavuri (@drladybug5) on

Iconic!

 

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🌗 + 🇮🇳 Alongside : @captiv_8 @zura.nyc @ivanferrera

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India annually celebrates its independence on August 15. On this date in 1947, India ceased to be a colony of the British empire, and was declared a sovereign independent state. The country subsequently enacted a constitution -- the largest written document in the world -- and declared itself a republic.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 16, 2019 08:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).