Archive · 15 Aug 2026
PM Modi Marks 80th Independence Day with Red Fort Address
Every year on August 15, people in India celebrate Independence Day.
It is the day India became free from British rule in 1947.
On Saturday, August 15, 2026, India celebrated its 80th Independence Day.
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, went to a very old fort called the Red Fort in New Delhi.
He raised the Indian flag high and gave a speech to everyone in the country.
Soldiers fired a special 21-gun salute using guns made in India.
Two helicopters flew over and dropped flower petals from the sky.
This year was special because the national song 'Vande Mataram' was 150 years old, and it was sung at the ceremony for the first time.
The Prime Minister's speech was translated into 22 different Indian languages using a smart computer app.
Many guests and young cadets came to watch, and people across India celebrated with flags everywhere.
India marked its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, August 15, 2026, 79 years after gaining freedom from British rule.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort ramparts in New Delhi.
The national song 'Vande Mataram' was sung live at the ceremony for the first time, marking 150 years since it was written.
The 21-gun salute used indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns, the first time ceremony equipment was built entirely in India.
PM Modi's speech was translated in real time into 22 Indian languages through the AI-based Digital India Bhashini app.
The celebrations focused on the theme 'Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047' alongside '150 Years of Vande Mataram'.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was assisted by Captain Sonia Singh Chauhan and joined by around 5,000 special guests and 2,500 NCC cadets.
- What
- India's 80th Independence Day celebrations, including flag hoisting, a 21-gun salute, an aerial flower shower, and the Prime Minister's address from the Red Fort ramparts.
- When
- Saturday, August 15, 2026.
- Where
- Red Fort, New Delhi, with celebrations across India and among Indians abroad.
- Why
- To mark 79 years since India gained independence from British rule in 1947, while also commemorating 150 years of the national song 'Vande Mataram' and highlighting the theme 'Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047'.
- Date
- Saturday, August 15, 2026
- Occasion
- 80th Independence Day
- Years since independence
- 79
- Venue
- Red Fort, New Delhi
- PM's consecutive addresses
- 13
- Theme
- Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047 and 150 Years of Vande Mataram
- Special guests
- 5,000, plus 2,500 NCC cadets
- AI translation
- Real-time translation into 22 Indian languages via Digital India Bhashini
Sources
Independence Day 2026 Live Updates: PM Modi to address nation from Red Fort for 13th consecutive year
Independence Day 2026 LIVE Updates: PM Modi greets nation, set to deliver address shortly
Independence Day 2026 LIVE: US, Israel Wish India On 80th I-Day, PM Modi To Address Nation From Red Fort
