Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lead the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in Delhi on August 15, 2026, commemorating 150 years of the National Song Vande Mataram and highlighting the role of ‘Yuva Shakti’ in building Viksit Bharat@2047. For the first time, Vande Mataram will be rendered as part of the Red Fort ceremony.
The Prime Minister will receive the Guard of Honour before proceeding to the ramparts to hoist the National Flag, accompanied by a 21-Gun Salute using indigenous 105mm Light Field Guns. An Army band will perform Vande Mataram, followed by the National Anthem. Two Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters will shower flower petals, including one carrying the national flag and another carrying a flag depicting Vande Mataram.
After his address to the nation, 2,500 NCC cadets and ‘My Bharat’ volunteers will sing the National Song and National Anthem. They will form ‘वंदे मातरम्’ along Gyanpath, with displays reflecting the theme ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’.
Around 5,000 special guests from diverse sections of society, along with more than 1,500 people in traditional attire from States and Union Territories, will attend the celebrations. Extensive arrangements have been made for public convenience, including cloak rooms, volunteer helpdesks, wheelchair assistance, early metro services, parking and pedestrian ramps.
The celebrations will also feature band performances at 343 locations across the country by various Armed Forces, CAPFs and other uniformed organisations. Flag-hoisting ceremonies will additionally be held in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
The Ministry of Defence has also organised competitions, cultural activities and a post-event Swachhata Campaign involving NCC cadets and ‘My Bharat’ volunteers, reinforcing the spirit of patriotism, youth participation and civic responsibility.
“The grand event is set to commemorate 150 years of the enduring legacy of the National Song ‘Vande Mataram’ and celebrate the energy, aspirations and pivotal contribution of ‘Yuva Shakti’ in driving India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047.”
