Archive · 15 Aug 2026
PM Modi Leads 80th Independence Day Celebrations at Red Fort
India is celebrating its 80th Independence Day, which means the country has been free for 80 years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leading the big celebration on August 15 at a famous old fort in Delhi called the Red Fort.
For the very first time, everyone at the fort will sing India's National Song, 'Vande Mataram,' before the national anthem.
The song is 150 years old, and this year people are honouring its long history.
The celebration also honours young people, called 'Yuva Shakti,' who are helping India grow towards its dream of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Almost 5,000 special guests were invited to watch, along with more than 1,500 people wearing traditional Indian clothes.
Soldiers from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police will take part, helicopters will drop flower petals, and cannons will fire a 21-gun salute.
At the end of the event, 2,500 National Cadet Corps cadets and My Bharat volunteers will sing 'Vande Mataram' as well.
Prime Minister Modi will give a speech to the whole country from the fort.
India is marking its 80th Independence Day on August 15, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the main celebrations at the Red Fort complex amid multi-layer security and patriotic fervour.
For the first time, the National Song 'Vande Mataram' will be rendered before the National Anthem during the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort.
The event commemorates 150 years of 'Vande Mataram' and celebrates the energy and contribution of 'Yuva Shakti' in driving India's journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Nearly 5,000 special guests from different walks of life, along with over 1,500 people in traditional attire, have been invited to witness the Red Fort ceremony.
The ceremony includes a Guard of Honour from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Delhi Police, a 21-gun salute, flower petals showered by Mi-17 helicopters, 2,500 National Cadet Corps cadets and My Bharat volunteers singing 'Vande Mataram', and band performances at 343 locations.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will be received at the Red Fort by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with military, police and ceremonial contingents.
- What
- National 80th Independence Day celebrations featuring flag hoisting, PM Modi's address to the nation, and the first rendering of the National Song 'Vande Mataram' before the National Anthem at the Red Fort.
- When
- August 15, on India's 80th Independence Day, after a full-dress rehearsal was held at the Red Fort the previous day.
- Where
- The Red Fort complex in Delhi for the main function, with flag-hoisting and cultural events at state capitals and towns across the country.
- Why
- To commemorate India's independence, mark 150 years of the National Song 'Vande Mataram', and celebrate the contribution of 'Yuva Shakti' (youth power) towards Viksit Bharat by 2047.
- Celebration
- 80th Independence Day of India
- Main venue
- Red Fort complex, Delhi
- Host
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Milestone
- 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'; first rendering at the Red Fort's Independence Day celebrations
- Special guests
- Nearly 5,000 invited, plus over 1,500 guests in traditional attire
- Theme
- Viksit Bharat @2047; celebrating 'Yuva Shakti' (youth power)
- Ceremonial details
- 21-gun salute by the 1721 Field Battery, Mi-17 helicopter flower shower, Inter-Services and Delhi Police Guard of Honour
- Band performances
- 343 locations across the country
