Dubai: Patriotic chants, speeches and stage performances kicked off celebrations by Indians in the UAE marking their Independence Day on Monay.

In Dubai, scores of families and office goers headed to the Indian consulate early in the morning to enjoy the festivities.

The proceedings began with the unfurling of the Indian flag by Anurag Bhushan, the Indian consul general in Dubai. He addressed the crowd recalling the sacrifices made in the Indian independence struggle and showered praises on his nation and countrymen.

Bhushan also read out excerpts of a speech by Indian president Pranab Mukherjee, who had stressed on the protection of minorities, women and children in India, among other issues.

Children in colourful costumes took to the stage with various performances at the packed auditorium. Youths also sang patriotic songs.  

Dharmesh Nittukandi, 30, said he was pleasantly surprised by the celebrations. "It's my first time to be in Dubai on my Independence Day. I was missing home so I came to the consulate today and was impressed by the crowd and performances," said Nittukandi, who is an aircraft technician. 

Indians are the biggest expat group in the UAE and GCC and are known to celebrate their Independence Day with patriotism and fanfare.

India gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947 after protests against colonial rule. 

In Abu Dhabi, Indian expatriates from all walks of life turned up in large numbers at the embassy to celebrate India's 70th Independence Day.

T.P Seetharam, Indian Ambassador to the UAE, hoisted the national flag. He read out the Indian president's address to the nation on the  eve of the Independence Day.

Students from various Indian schools in the capital performed colourful cultural programmes at the embassy auditorium after the flag hoisting ceremony.

Members of the community, including women and children, were seen carrying Indian national flags when they arrived at the embassy early in the morning to attend the event.