India's 80th Independence Day celebrations on August 15 will witness ‘Vande Mataram’ being sung from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the first time. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said that as 2026 marks 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, the National Song will be sung when Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the Red Fort during the celebrations. The PM will then unfurl the National Flag and deliver his customary address to the nation.
The Indian Air Force will mark the occasion, with a Mi-17 helicopter carrying a banner commemorating 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ and showering flower petals over those gathered at the Red Fort.
The celebrations will see participation by the armed forces and other uniformed services across the country. Bands of the Indian Army, Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, NCC, Integrated Defence Staff and several Central Armed Police Forces are performing at 343 prominent locations across India from August 8 to 15.
The performances, which are open to the public, are aimed at promoting patriotic fervour among citizens.
Around 5,000 special guests from different walks of life have also been invited to the Independence Day celebrations. They include youth innovators, entrepreneurs, scientists, farmers, artisans, sanitation workers, street vendors, hospital staff and beneficiaries of various government initiatives.
Around 600 winners of competitions conducted by the defence ministry in collaboration with MyGov will also attend the celebrations. The competitions covered subjects ranging from artificial intelligence and India's freedom movement to the Constitution, space technology and nuclear technology.
Nineteen medal-winning students from the 2026 International Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematical Olympiads have been invited and will be seated on the rampart.
The Red Fort will also feature displays highlighting India's progress in nuclear and space technology, while floral decorations at the Guard of Honour area will depict the country's journey towards Viksit Bharat @ 2047.
More than 1,500 Delhi-based people from different states and Union Territories, dressed in traditional attire, have also been invited to the ceremony, representing a microcosm of India at the Red Fort.
