80th Independence Day to mark 150 years of Vande Mataram

India has a special birthday called Independence Day, the day the country became free.

This year, on August 15, 2026, India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day.

The big celebration will happen at an old fort called the Red Fort in the capital city, Delhi.

The country's leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will raise the Indian flag and give a speech there.

This year is extra special because a famous song called 'Vande Mataram' turns 150 years old.

'Vande Mataram' means 'I bow to thee, Mother,' and it gave people courage and hope during India's freedom struggle.

For the very first time, the song will be sung from the walls of the Red Fort.

An Indian Air Force helicopter will fly over the celebration with a banner and drop flower petals on the crowd.

The day will also celebrate India's young people and their ideas for building a stronger country for the future.