India and Pakistan are celebrating their independence anniversaries this week.
Britain ended its colonial rule of the Indian subcontinent more than 75 years ago, resulting in the division of the region into two distinct nations: a Hindu-majority India and a Muslim-majority Pakistan.
For Kiwi Pakistani Tayyaba Khan, the significance of 14 August is captured in special memories from her childhood.
"My parents would dress me up and we'd go to a function usually hosted by the Pakistan Association or by members of the community who would get together to celebrate Independence Day," Khan says.
Khan's family moved from Pakistan to New Zealand when she was just an infant.
Tayyaba Khan was born in Pakistan and Moumita Das Roy grew up in India. Photo: Supplied
On the opposite side of the border, Moumita Das Roy has her own perspective.
Hailing from West Bengal in India, Roy has fond memories of 15 August - the day on which the Indian diaspora celebrates its independence from Britain.
"August 15 is Indian Independence Day," she says. "Growing up in India, it was a day of celebration."
Although Roy moved to New Zealand in 2019, her connection with India remains steadfast.
Against the backdrop of this week's Independence Day celebrations of India and Pakistan, Khan and Roy are more than happy to share their experiences.
They describe what this occasion means to them, bridging the geographical and cultural divides that have shaped their lives.
