The Country is celebrating 80th Independence Day
New Delhi: The Country is celebrating its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, with grand ceremonies, patriotic fervour and heightened security arrangements across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads the celebrations from the historic Red Fort and addresses the country from its ramparts in a short while now.
This year’s Independence Day celebrations will witness a historic change as the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ will be performed before the National Anthem for the first time during the Red Fort ceremony.
Security agencies have put in place a multi-layer security framework in and around the Red Fort complex to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration. Delhi Police, central security forces and intelligence agencies are keeping a close watch on sensitive areas ahead of the mega event.
Prime Minister Modi will be received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister of State Sanjay Seth and Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The General Officer Commanding (GOC), Delhi Area, Lt Gen Rajesh Sethi, will escort the Prime Minister to the saluting base, where a combined Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard will present the ceremonial salute.
The 80th Independence Day celebration will also mark 150 years of the enduring legacy of India’s national song ‘Vande Mataram’. The Defence Ministry said the event will highlight the contribution of ‘Yuva Shakti’ and India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047.
The Indian Army is coordinating this year’s celebrations. Lt Col Arjun Singh will command the Prime Minister’s Guard of Honour, while contingents from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police will participate in the ceremonial proceedings.
During the flag hoisting ceremony, a 21-gun salute will be fired using indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns. Capt Sonia Singh Chauhan will assist the Prime Minister during the flag hoisting ceremony.
After the national flag is unfurled, two Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters will shower flower petals over the venue. One helicopter will carry the national flag, while the other will display the ‘Vande Mataram’ flag.
Following the Prime Minister’s address, around 2,500 NCC cadets and My Bharat volunteers will perform ‘Vande Mataram’, followed by the National Anthem. The cadets will be positioned on Gyanpath opposite the Red Fort, forming the words ‘Vande Mataram’.
Around 5,000 special guests from different sections of society have been invited to witness the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort. The guests include women entrepreneurs, Yoga Day volunteers, PM SVANidhi beneficiaries, PMAY beneficiaries and My Bharat volunteers.
Across the country, band performances will also be organised at 343 prominent locations to spread the spirit of patriotism and celebrate India’s 80 years of independence.
